The use of smart technology in healthcare has increased in recent years. Bringing powerful devices such as smart insulin pens, connected inhalers, asthma monitors came more into the hands of ordinary consumers, enabling them to better manage and address their own health needs. But also to quickly access help if something goes wrong. Wearable devices such as biosensors and smart watches also allow healthcare professionals to remotely monitor current conditions and collect data, enabling observation and treatment previously only possible in an institutional setting to take place anywhere.
From pregnancy test kits to surgical instruments, artificial joints and MRI scanners. The medical technology (medtech) industry designs and manufactures a wide variety of products. Technology enables these devices to generate, collect, analyze and transmit data, creating the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) - a connected infrastructure of health systems and services.
The possibilities of IoMT are more accurate diagnoses, fewer errors and lower healthcare costs. Combined with smartphone applications, the technology enables patients to send their health information to doctors to better monitor disease and detect and prevent chronic disease.
Smart technology and connected medical wearables make it possible to create 'wall-less' hospitals where outpatient and long-term care can be provided remotely by healthcare professionals to patients at home, freeing up vital bed space for patients requiring more intensive care. Virtual hospitals or virtual wards are being tested and exploited everywhere from Australia to the UK to the Middle East.
A positive effect of IoMT on drug management occurs with the introduction of “smart pills”. These pills contain microscopic sensors, which can send data to connected devices when swallowed. The smart pills are used to monitor patients' internal health and can wirelessly transmit data such as core temperature. By means of these smart pill options, the effectiveness of the medication is measured in a targeted manner and clinical results can be improved.
The wearable biosensor is a valuable piece of technology that enables the operation of virtual hospitals and other forms of care, disease prevention and disease detection. Small, lightweight, and body-worn, these devices monitor vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate, giving health professionals critical insight into the progression or early onset of a disease.
When the elderly live alone without a family member or carer in the immediate vicinity, there are serious risks to their health if they have a problem or an accident and cannot get help. Or if certain routines are forgotten, such as taking medication. The Internet of Things offers a number of possible solutions to this problem that allow elderly people to maintain their independence while still getting the help they may need in an emergency. The available technology ranges from portable hangers that can detect a fall to more comprehensive and sophisticated home surveillance systems that learn a person's movements and habits. And so be able to alert a caregiver if there is a major change or if no movement is detected for an abnormal amount of time.
Respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD are typically manageable with treatment, but failure to adhere to a prescribed treatment plan and insufficient monitoring of the disease can cause serious problems.
According to research from the Royal College of Physicians, two out of three deaths from asthma could be prevented by measures such as personalized asthma plans for patients, timely evaluation of care and prescribing more appropriate medications, all leading to better management of the condition . The solution was found in a smart inhaler. This inhaler helps patients keep track of their medication use and provides audio and visual alerts to remind them to take a dose. There are also connected inhaler apps that can analyze and advise the user's inhaler technique, as well as provide insight into the causes of their symptoms.
Get started with your own medical IoT application
Customized healthcare is given new meaning by IoT. A fantastic application of new media is being able to provide remote assistance during an operation. Specialist doctors and surgeons can watch their colleagues on the other side of the world and share their expertise.
Cameras and medical instruments are getting better and better. This way of working will lead to better and more specific care in the coming years. In an emergency, for example, you can ask a care provider for a diagnosis directly with your own camera (smartphone). Once a smartphone is used to transmit additional information such as heart rate and temperature, a better diagnosis can be made. Inspired by these IoT examples for the medical sector? We are happy to help you find the right connectivity. IoT gives you the opportunity to optimize the quality, sustainability and efficiency of your activities. For more information, please contact our IoT specialists via; sales@comgate.io
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