Healthcare IoT: What Are Applications of IoT in Healthcare?

The combination of technology, data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in healthcare is helping to improve the way patient care is delivered. 

By responding to patient needs that are both more focused and in real-time, the Internet of Things can help healthcare professionals improve the patient experience.

The healthcare industry didn't embrace the Internet of Things very quickly, but the protests were remarkable once they did. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) makes it possible to control and track patients remotely and even identify medical issues. 

As a result, we have noticed an explosion of connected medical objects on the global market in a few years. Most are remote patient control tools that send notifications to caregivers in an emergency. Even more, systems are put in place for the collection of data which is then transmitted through the network.

• Remote patient monitoring

IoT has become possible to monitor patients remotely through medical devices. For example, for monitoring patients with arterial hypertension or high blood sugar levels. 

IoT makes it possible to record data such as blood pressure and blood sugar measurements and send them to the doctor. The doctor can then intervene at any time if an emergency is signaled. This practice helps prevent the risk of stroke.

• More practical preventive care

Prevention is a significant concern in the medical context, and therefore, the IoT comes to make it more optimal. However, preventive medicine is neglected in some societies because it presents no emergency. 

With the IoT, it becomes more apparent, especially with the possibility of performing regular health checks more practically.

• Inventory management of medical products

Health is the major area in which the mobilization and management of stocks are the most rigorous. With emergencies that present themselves at any time, it is imperative to keep an eye on inventory flow. 

Several medical entities, health centers, hospitals now use IoT to control their equipment. Improvements have also helped the expansion of the IoT in infrastructure and IT equipment. Mobile devices are more accessible, a broadband connection is widespread in several areas, and simplified computer systems have been developed.

• Better organized workflows

From starting hours to rest or on-call times, organizing the schedule of medical service has never been easy. Likewise, patient monitoring is often confusing when the program is not well established. With the IoT, patients and staff can identify themselves by wearing bracelets.

• Advanced devices

The Internet of Things in healthcare connects everything from nurse call systems to mobile accessories that monitor vital signs, MRIs, and wifi devices.

• Instant access to information

Connected and intelligent IoT devices give healthcare workers immediate access to patient records, no matter where they are.

• Better use of resources

By connecting technology to innovative systems across a hospital, nurses no longer need to run from room to room as often.

• Simplified data collection

Comparatively to the traditional paper-based methods, connected devices deliver better quality health data faster.