Explore the Benefits of IoT in Healthcare

The Internet of Things has already changed the world and on demand app services have also been of a great help in this context. Today, as Broadband Internet is available and affordable almost everywhere, and Wi-Fi capabilities and sensors have been built into a wide range of devices and gadgets, the penetration of wearables and smart phones is soaring. All these aspects have cleared a path for the IoT in the everyday lives of people and in numerous sectors of the economy, including healthcare.

IoT has given us a fresh outlook as new tools that accommodate an integrated healthcare network, subsequently the care that is provided is of a higher standard.

The use of IoT in healthcare allows for the automation of processes that have previously taken time; these processes previously allowed human error. For example, nowadays many hospitals use connected devices to control the airflow and temperature in operating theatres.

The advantages of IoT in healthcare are seemingly endless and on demand app solutions have got to play a huge role in the same.

• IoT allows for the accurate collection of data, automated workflows and minimised waste, but most importantly it reduces the risk of error.
• With IoT, patient monitoring can be done in real-time, drastically cutting down the need for doctors going out and making visits. Connected home care facilities will also help reduce hospital stays and re-admissions.
• A connected healthcare system creates an environment that meets each patient’s needs. Dedicated procedures, enhanced treatment options and improved diagnosis accuracy make for a better patient experience.
• With real-time data healthcare providers can continuously monitor patients. This means that they can spot any disease before it spreads and becomes serious.
• M2M allows patients to be monitored in the comfort of their own homes. Sensors are installed onto various pieces of medical apparatus by the bedside of a patient. The data gathered is sent to the hospital where a qualified member of staff analyses it for any abnormalities.
• The developments of IoT have the potential to really revolutionise healthcare in a positive way. However we must be careful. Health data is sensitive and if it’s shared inappropriately or misused has the potential to damage people’s privacy. Ensuring hospitals have secure and manageable infrastructure is essential in the healthcare sector.
• Using IoT solutions and connected medical devices allows healthcare providers to monitor patients in real time. This means less unnecessary visits to doctor, and less hospital stays and readmissions thanks to efficient data collection and management.
• Better patient experience. Being connected to the health care system through the Internet of things, patients get more engaged in their treatment, and doctors improve diagnosis accuracy since they have all the necessary patient data at hand.
• Better management of drugs and medicine adherence: IoT solutions allow hospital staff to spend less time searching for drugs, track supplies and medicine, and track hygiene practices in hospitals and effectively prevent hospital infections. Healthcare IoT monitoring solutions help patients adhere their treatment plans and doctors to track compliance to prescriptions.
• Using IoT for data collection and workflow automation is an excellent way to cut down on waste, reduce system costs and minimize errors.
• Healthcare solutions that are connected through cloud computing and use can provide caregivers with the ability to access real time data which can be used to make informed decisions and to provide evidence-based treatments.

The number of adopters of the Internet of Things in healthcare is growing steadily, as well as the number of solutions for various applications, such as monitoring patient vitals, gathering patient data, monitoring medical assets, and automated treatment devices, to name a few. Let’s consider some examples of IoT solutions in healthcare which look very promising.

Monitoring solutions are developed by many medical device manufacturers, producers of wearables and IT companies developing smartphone applications. These solutions monitor vitals of patients and help to reduce, for instance, the occurrence of strokes or diabetic comas. For example, in 2016, Roche obtained distribution rights for their Eversense CGM System which is an implantable long-term continuous glucose monitoring system using a 90 day sensor implanted below the patient’s skin and a mobile phone app to send blood glucose levels.

Automated treatment devices improve the quality of life for chronic patients and help doctors control medication adherence. One good example of a successful IoT application is Philip's Medication dispensing service which is created for aged people. The device alerts patients when it’s time to take their pills, and after the button is pushed by the patient, pre-filled cups with medication are dispensed.

Another example of a healthcare IoT application is the real-time location system for hospitals and other medical facilities. AirFinder is a real-time location system that uses open-source iBeacon and Bluetooth Low Energy technology and Symphony Link integration. The system allows tracking supplies in an operating room or throughout an entire hospital or facility.

OnDemandTec is a leading provider of on demand service apps, offering an array of effective solutions to cater to the real time needs of the customers.