Internet of Things for Healthcare

In our world of ultra-connectivity, the network of data-sharing devices known as the Internet of Things (IoT) is playing an increasingly important role in patient-centred healthcare.

Known in the past for its use with patient monitoring and treatment, the IoT is increasingly being utilised in a range of new ways to give patients more control and access to healthcare.

In particular, a key way the IoT is helping to improve patient experience is by enabling more health services to be accessed remotely, as this article by health tech expert, Sergey Ivanov explains.

“Leaving the comfort of home is difficult for most patients, but for some, it may even interfere with the treatment itself… This applies to people with restricted mental or physical abilities, immunity disorders, seniors, and young children,” says Ivanov.

“Wearable health trackers and automated medication delivery systems can replace many in-hospital procedures, saving patients from the dreaded visit to the doctor’s office.”

Other areas of application for the IoT network include active health management, improved diagnostic capabilities, streamlined communication and reduced overcrowding in hospitals.

However, while the IoT is a powerful tool for helping to improve patients’ effective interaction with healthcare, Ivanov says providers need to have a clear vision of how innovations can help transform their processes before diving in.

“… providers shouldn’t jump onto this trend just for the sake of innovation,” says Ivanov.

“Understand how IoT can add value to each one of them and how it can improve the experiences of patients. Then you can verify your vision with your team or suitable software vendors and realistically project how fast you can expect a return on your investment.”

Read the full article via Med Device Online.