Data has long been the driving force in medicine, from making diagnoses to prescribing treatments. Thanks to the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things, healthcare is now taking a significant step forward in the collection and analysis of high-quality data (IoT).
IoT can be defined as a device that connects to the internet and allows data to be sent to whoever requires it.
On a grand scale, the Internet of Things is comprised of billions of devices and sensors, such as those found in a supply chain, that transmit a continuous stream of data. Access to better, more accurate, and real-time data improves decision-making for business leaders across all industries.
As per a report by Ericsson , ‘In healthcare, we predict a USD 76 billion revenue opportunity in 2026 for operators addressing healthcare transformation with 5G.’
Many existing use cases will be enhanced by 5G, while new ones will be created that are currently unmet by existing tech - such as remotely performed patient examinations and even operations.
5G promises to provide critical levels of connectivity to enable a new health ecosystem capable of meeting the needs of patients and providers accurately, efficiently, conveniently, cost-effectively, and on a large scale.
The global market for portable and remote patient monitoring is steadily expanding. According to research, it is expected to grow at a single-digit compound annual growth rate between 2020 and 2027, reaching nearly $43 billion globally.
Furthermore, more than half (53%) of hospitals in the United States have a remote patient monitoring system.
As healthcare IoT gains traction, there is a greater possibility of improved healthcare outcomes. Early detection and intervention to prevent costly emergency room visits and unnecessary hospitalization could also make care more cost-effective.
The Telehealth/medicine Boom
The Covid-19 pandemic sped up technology innovation. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the same surge in innovation has occurred in healthcare, with an explosion in telehealth.
To avoid a potential contagion risk, doctors communicated with patients via videoconference and used remote monitoring to avoid in-person doctor's office visits.
Virtual care will most likely remain a mainstay in the post-pandemic era.
Many office visits for routine follow-up and feedback could be eliminated if physicians and patients alike accept the technology more readily. As telehealth grows in popularity, hospitals, physicians, and other clinicians will increasingly rely on healthcare IoT applications to monitor, collect, and analyze patient data in real-time.
Current Health , for example, specializes in remote patient monitoring for home health patients with chronic diseases or those who have been discharged from the hospital and require ongoing care.
Current Health deploys IoT sensors that transmit data via cellular networks in collaboration with a cellular platform. This increases data security and connectivity, particularly for patients who live in rural areas or do not have reliable Wi-Fi in their homes.
Remote monitoring via wearable sensors may also be useful in supplementing ongoing care during pregnancy. Smart technology, for example, could enable alerts for changes in maternal and fetal health in high-risk pregnancies, as well as help monitor pregnant women in rural areas with limited access to care.
Creating a healthy ecosystem with 5G
- Training junior doctors for surgery using AR/VR delivered via low latency and high bandwidth 5G.
- Wired connections in operating theatres could be replaced with the low latency and secure wireless connections made possible by 5G.
- Enhancing remote real-time diagnostics by delivering high-quality video over 5G.
- The use of robots for dispensing of pharmaceuticals, support diagnostics and ultimately perform surgery, with 5G providing the necessary low latency and high bandwidth connectivity.
- Data analytics across medical records, such as CT scans, can help with patient prioritization.
What must businesses do?
This is going to be a huge opportunity for businesses.
With emerging technologies, businesses have the ability to drive solutions and build healthcare platforms to aid their customers and to grow exponentially.
Staying ahead of the time, like we always do, we have created online telemedicine apps that can disrupt the market.
Have a look:This app lets the doctors schedule appointments, keep a track of their patients, and study their medical records, seamlessly.
This is an ONLINE CONSULTATION healthcare app. The AI technology will assist users to find suitable doctors based on their symptoms. Not just that, users can book offline as well!
What do you think?
Frequently Asked Question
Ques: What steps can healthcare organizations take to ensure data security and patient privacy when utilizing IoT and 5G technologies?
Ans: Healthcare organizations can ensure data security and patient privacy when using IoT and 5G technologies by: Implementing Strong Encryption: Ensuring data transmitted between devices is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
- Enforcing Access Controls: Allowing only authorized personnel to interact with devices and access sensitive data.
- Regular Updates: Applying security patches and updates promptly to address vulnerabilities.
- Segregating Networks: Keeping IoT devices on separate networks to limit the impact of potential breaches.
- Training Staff: Educating staff about security risks and best practices for IoT and 5G technology.
- Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to relevant data protection regulations like HIPAA to ensure patient privacy.
- Vendor Assessment: Selecting trustworthy vendors with a focus on security and compliance.
- Monitoring and Auditing: Continuously monitoring devices and conducting security audits to detect and mitigate risks.
- Incident Response Plan: Having a plan in place to address security breaches and minimize their impact.
- Privacy by Design: Incorporating privacy considerations into the design and development of IoT solutions.