The Internet of Things in Healthcare
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term that describes the “interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data” (Oxford Languages Dictionary). In other words, IoT encompasses everything that connects to the internet in order to gather information. Examples range from wearable devices to smart home security systems and usually entail day-to-day things.
IoT in Healthcare
IoT has many applications within the healthcare world, specifically with the introduction of wearables and remote patient monitoring, which successfully transitions hospital centric treatment to home centric treatment. This allows for patients to stay in the comfort of their own homes, while simultaneously reducing hospital visits and time needed with a clinician. Remote devices are particularly beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic, as less contact time within hospitals and clinics means less risk of spreading the virus.
Others have discovered that real time tracking of medical devices is very useful in monitoring equipment, as well as IoT-enabled hygiene monitoring devices to prevent the spread of infections. You can read more about the applications of these IoT devices in this linked article What Can IoT Do for Healthcare.
More Than Remote Patient Monitoring
IoT can also be used to monitor activity in the home, which can indicate mobility and the safety status of people. This facilitates independent living with remote support from caregivers, family, and medical professionals when needed. This is especially applicable to seniors.
Benefits and Drawbacks of IoT
In addition to remote patient monitoring, the Internet of Things provides healthcare professionals with the ability to automatically analyze data to support precision medicine. This reduces the time clinicians spend on such data processes, which in turn speeds up decision making and even reduces errors.
However, concerns may be raised about security and privacy when it comes to utilizing IoT technology in healthcare, as well as data overload and accuracy. It can also be relatively expensive to implement.
SRG’s Incorporation of IoT
SRG is currently engaged in several active web and mobile application development projects that leverage IoT to support remote patient monitoring and home monitoring, which facilitate the evolution of higher quality and lower cost healthcare delivery models.
Written by:
Maxine Wesley
