As the epidemic progressed, the benefits of telemedicine and the IoT in healthcare became more apparent. After having trouble getting in touch with their doctors, many people turned to remote healthcare services. Improving machine control and providing virtual medical support are just two examples of the many fast-growing use cases of the Internet of Things in healthcare throughout the world. Quick illness detection and the identification of appropriate treatment choices are among how this cutting-edge technology can save lives.
Examples of the Internet of Things (IoT) in Healthcare
1. Healthcare monitoring devices
Many new possibilities for patient and healthcare provider self-monitoring have emerged with the advent of IoT devices. Consequently, healthcare practitioners and patients face an array of advantages and disadvantages due to the range of wearable Internet of Things devices.
2. Remote patient monitoring
One of the most prevalent uses of Internet of Things devices in healthcare is remote patient monitoring. There is no longer any need for patients to physically see healthcare practitioners or for patients to manually collect their vital signs using Internet of Things (IoT) devices; these devices can automatically gather vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and more.
Healthcare providers and patients alike may access the data collected by IoT devices by simply sending it to a dedicated software application. To make therapy recommendations or alarms, algorithms can examine the data. An IoT sensor that notices a patient's dangerously low heart rate, for instance, may notify healthcare providers to take action.
Protecting the privacy and security of the sensitive medical information gathered by IoT devices is a big concern for remote patient monitoring systems.
3. Glucose monitoring
More than 30 million Americans suffer from diabetes, and keeping track of their glucose levels has always been a challenge. Checking and recording glucose levels manually is both difficult and only provides a patient's glucose levels at the precise moment of the test. Periodic testing might not be enough to identify an issue if levels vary substantially.
Internet of Things (IoT) devices can automate the continuous monitoring of patients' glucose levels, which can help with these difficulties. Glucose monitors notify patients when their glucose levels are too high or too low, and they also do away with the need for manually entering data.
IoT glucose monitor design presents several challenges, such as:
A. It's small enough to keep an eye on all the time without bothering the patients.
B. It doesn't use so much power that it needs to be charged all the time.
Though these problems are tough, they can be solved with devices that offer to change the way people measure their glucose.
4. Heart-rate monitoring
Even for people who are physically present in healthcare institutions, tracking heart rates can be just as problematic as glucose. Standard hospital equipment for continuous cardiac monitoring requires patients to be tethered to wires all the time, limiting their movement, and periodic heart rate checks don't protect against fast variations in heart rates.
Compact-sized IoT devices are now available for heart rate monitoring, allowing patients more freedom of movement while yet guaranteeing continuous heart monitoring. While it is still not easy to guarantee extremely exact results, the majority of current devices are capable of delivering accuracy rates of 90% or more.
5. Connected inhalers
In essence, these Internet of Things gadgets are smart inhalers that are linked to a mobile application. Their function is to periodically remind users to take their medications using visual or auditory cues. They can even provide guidance on how to use these inhalers correctly.
The primary problem with diseases like asthma or COPD is that they cause unexpected episodes without warning. Better medicine, timely analyses of treatment, or improved asthma management in general can save two out of three asthma-related casualties.
6. Smart Beds
Smart beds are a result of the ongoing development of IoT healthcare initiatives. These sensor-equipped mattresses provide better patient care by continually monitoring the patient's vital signs and sleeping habits. The smart bed is an important component of patient care because it offers optimal comfort and meaningful data.
7. Wearable Fitness Devices
One of the many healthcare initiatives where IoT has had a significant influence is wearable fitness devices. These wearable gadgets, which are mostly used to track health indicators like heart rate, steps taken, and sleep duration, have played a significant role in promoting proactive personal fitness and health management.
8. Smart Wheelchairs
Smart wheelchairs are a prime illustration of how IoT in healthcare initiatives has revolutionized assistive technology. Users with mobility problems can be more independent with these IoT-powered wheelchairs. With the use of sensors and artificial intelligence, the chairs can move on their own and track user health data.
9. IoT-Enabled Prosthetics
Smart prostheses are revolutionizing healthcare and expanding the Internet of Things. The user experience is improved by the increased capability and adaptability of these Internet of Things-enabled prostheses. A major improvement over conventional prosthetic devices, every movement and change is made smoother.
10. Smart implants
To track, identify, or treat medical disorders, these devices are intended to be inserted into the human body. These include cochlear and retinal implants that aid patients with visual and auditory impairments; neurostimulators that treat Parkinson's disease and chronic pain; cardiac implants that treat arrhythmias; and smart prosthetic devices that enable better prosthetic control. IoT is an essential component of medical equipment, such as implants, that increases the device's performance, enhances patient care, and makes it possible to examine illnesses and symptoms more thoroughly.
11. Smart Pill Bottles
Another creative use of IoT in healthcare initiatives is smart pill bottles, which guarantee prescription compliance. They are especially helpful for patients with long-term or essential drug needs since they are equipped with light, sound, and SMS alerts that remind patients to take their medications.
12. Fall Detection Devices
One significant addition to IoT healthcare initiatives is fall detection equipment. If a fall is detected, these devices—which are typically worn as watches or pendants—automatically notify family members or medical professionals. They are especially helpful for caring for the elderly since they guarantee prompt medical attention when needed.
Conclusion
In healthcare, the potential of IoT is gradually acquiring momentum as a developing area of research. Healthcare systems now have a fantastic potential to assess, cure, and manage patients both inside and outside of hospitals, as well as proactively anticipate health concerns thanks to this technology. As the use of technology-assisted health services grows, healthcare organizations may use the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide flexible care models that can supplement or replace conventional methods of delivering health services. This will make it possible for medical professionals to reach a wider audience, enhance patient outcomes, and provide patients with a higher quality of life.