Of all the industries, healthcare is one of the most important ones. The health and wellbeing of society depend on the efficiency of the healthcare sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has further enhanced the importance of technological advancements in this industry. This pandemic has revealed the inefficiency and vulnerabilities of the healthcare sector worldwide. As a result, hospitals and medical professionals are increasingly adopting the latest technologies to meet the changing needs. Lately, the Internet of Things is transforming and reshaping the healthcare industry. The technology of connected devices has immense potential for this industry as it allows automating manual processes and gives access to real-time data. More and more medical organizations and healthcare professionals are exploring the applications of Industrial IoT because of the benefits it has to offer. The IoT-enabled devices allow doctors to remotely monitor the condition of their patients, as well as speed up the treatment process.
IIoT allows healthcare providers to deliver top-notch medical care and enhance patient satisfaction. This technology has the potential to improve treatment outcomes. The applications of the innovative technology not only benefit healthcare providers but also patients and their families, as well as hospitals and insurance companies. To understand how IIoT is reforming the healthcare industry, let’s find out more about this technology and its applications.
What is Industrial IoT?
Industrial IoT is a part of IoT (Internet of Things) that connects physical devices using the internet connection to transmit or collect data. IoT-enabled devices can communicate with each other and share real-time data. When this technology is implemented at the consumer level, it is known as IoT while the industrial application of IoT is known as Industry 4.0 or Industrial IoT (IIoT). A wide range of industries is using this technology to streamline their industrial operations and automate processes. The automotive industry, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, education, oil & gas, mining, transport, and many more industries are already reaping the benefits of IIoT. The healthcare industry is also not far behind in implementing IoT applications to deliver better standards of care.
IIoT in Healthcare
As mentioned above, IoT is the technology of connecting devices to get access to real-time data. When healthcare devices are embedded with smart sensors, it becomes medical IoT. In the healthcare industry, IIoT connects medical devices used in a hospital, clinics, and diagnosis centers. From glucose monitoring systems to medical alert systems, IIoT plays a vital role in enhancing medical treatment. Smart patient monitoring devices, connected wearable, medical sensors, smart reporting, and more- all are a result of medical IoT. These connected devices help doctors more effectively observe patients and ensure continuous health tracking.
Applications of IoT in the Healthcare Industry
Industrial IoT has applications for patients, healthcare providers, as well as insurance companies. It allows remote monitoring that helps patients receive timely medical care, as well as helps doctors provide better treatment. The IoT-connected devices generate data that also helps insurance providers for settling health insurance claims. Here are some more amazing IIoT applications for the healthcare industry.
1. Patients IIoT Applications
When it comes to medical IoT, the most useful applications are for enhancing treatment to ensure patients’ wellbeing. Connecting medical devices enable remote medical assistance that helps in monitoring a patient’s conditions at their homes. Several smart wearables such as fitness bands, glucometer, and heart rate monitoring watches are used for tracking health conditions. These devices can alert medical professionals if a discrepancy in readings is recorded. Remote patient monitoring is immensely helpful for critical and elderly patients who need regular medical care. Patients also find it convenient because smart monitoring reduces in-person visits. Patients get personalized medical attention and can avoid serious issues. For instance, diabetic people can keep monitoring their blood glucose levels and the data can be accessed on the smartphone app. Sensor-enabled insulin pens keep recoding details automatically that help in taking appropriate medical actions.
2. Smart Treatment
IIoT applications for doctors and other healthcare providers help in offering better medical care. With access to real-time data, it becomes easier for doctors to identify health issues before they turn into a major problem. Smart devices provide data that allow physicians to keep track of patients’ health and make timely recommendations. Based on the data, the doctor can also reschedule the appointment and figure out if the patient needs immediate medical attention. IoT has also improved diagnostic accuracy and has improved doctor-patient engagement. Devices such as heart rate monitoring cuffs can alert a doctor when blood pressure reaches unsafe levels. These smart devices can prevent fatal conditions such as strokes or heart attacks and help in saving precious lives by allowing doctors to take timely action.
3. Hospitals IIoT Applications
Industrial IoT not only helps patients and doctors but also offers great benefits to hospitals. Healthcare organizations such as hospitals, clinics, and diagnosis centers can embed IoT sensors in the medical devices that allow tracking the real-time location of the equipment such as oxygen cylinders, wheelchairs, nebulizers, and more. The tracking application of IoT also helps in the timely deployment of nurses and other medical staff. In addition to this, hospitals can also improve hygiene conditions that help in preventing infections. Pharmacy in the hospitals also utilizes smart technology for inventory control. With IIoT, pharmacists can also monitor environmental conditions such as refrigerator temperature and humidity to ensure that medicines are stored in optimal condition. Some IIoT applications include hygiene monitoring, pathogen detection, air quality sensors, instrument sterilization, no-touch sanitation dispensers, and more.