Healthcare

IoT in Healthcare: Benefits, Challenges and Applications

IoT in Healthcare
In the healthcare sector, a number of emerging technologies have generated excitement. We have technology like augmented reality, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. As a result, their applications are found in all fields, even though some are merely gimmicks or overhyped.
However, the Internet of Things (IoT) is the most advanced technology, and its numerous applications in healthcare are more than just gimmicks; they are helpful. In addition to the healthcare sector, there is also a significant need for IoT developers. Companies from various industries, such as healthcare and industrial IoT solutions, now need to hire IoT developers to create top-quality IoT apps.
By 2028, it is anticipated that the IoT healthcare industry will have grown from $128 billion in 2023 to $289 billion. That’s a growth rate of nearly 18 percent annually! Doctors can now communicate more efficiently and effectively thanks to tools like video calls and real-time health data. As a result, patients become more satisfied and trusting.
This blog will help you understand the critical ways IoT profoundly impacts the healthcare sector and can change its future. So, let’s examine how IoT has developed in the healthcare sector.

What is IoT in the Healthcare Industry?

In the healthcare sector, “IoT” refers to the network of linked equipment, sensors, and devices that gather, send, and analyze patient health data. Wearable fitness trackers, innovative medical devices, hospital equipment, and even implants are among the few IoT devices used in healthcare.
With IoT in healthcare, you can:
  • Perform remote monitoring of patients
  • Track medical equipment in real-time
  • Enhance communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Besides, IoT has several advantages and applications in healthcare. You only need to contact a reputed mobile app development company that can provide reliable IoT app development services.

Benefits of Implementing IoT Strategies in Healthcare

Benefits of Implementing IoT Strategies in Healthcare
There are several benefits of implementing IoT strategies in healthcare. Partnering with a healthcare app development company will help you get the following benefits.

Saving money

Through resource optimization, manual task reduction, and operational simplification, IoT integration in healthcare can result in significant cost savings. For instance, IoT-enabled equipment maintenance can reduce repair costs and costly downtime by preventing malfunctions.

Expands Preventive Medicine's Potential

Continuous monitoring of patient health indicators is made possible by IoT in healthcare. Additionally, it makes it possible to identify potential health problems early. These IoT devices identify the risks before the situation can escalate. Medical practitioners take the required steps to improve patient outcomes and lower long-term healthcare expenses.

Enhanced Flexibility and Vigilance of Hospital Personnel

IoT devices can also automate routine chores and deliver real-time notifications. This will further allow hospital staff to focus on vital patient care responsibilities. Hence, enhanced responsiveness and efficiency may improve the general quality and satisfaction of patient treatment.

Management of Drugs and Medical Equipment

IoT systems actively track the location and condition of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment in real-time, lowering the risk of loss, theft, or expiration. This guarantees efficient use of available resources and reduces needless inventory management costs.

Cutting Down on Mistakes

With automation in data collection, analysis, and decision-making, IoT in healthcare can reduce errors in healthcare procedures. For example, automated medication dispensing systems can lower the possibility of adverse events and improve patient safety by lowering the risk of dosage errors.

Patient Data Collection Speed Improves

IoT in healthcare allows for real-time patient data collection. It also gives medical personnel the most recent information to make decisions. This expedited data collection method allows for faster diagnosis and treatment, which enhances patient happiness and results.

Challenges Confronted in IoT for the Healthcare Industry

Challenges Confronted in IoT for the Healthcare Industry

Some key challenges that need to be addressed for IoT healthcare improvement are:

Security and Privacy

There is a lot of potential for IoT in healthcare, but it also confronts enormous obstacles. The primary one is protecting the privacy and security of data. Because so much data is being sent and kept, there is a chance that hackers will obtain it and use it maliciously.

Integration of Protocols and Several Devices

IoT in the healthcare industry is a complex field. It requires many various gadgets, communication methods, and regulations. Because of this, it may be challenging to integrate IoT devices with our current healthcare systems. Furthermore, it can be challenging to integrate IoT devices because some of them don’t even speak the same language.
To address this, healthcare organizations must collaborate with astute businesses that are knowledgeable about IoT. These professionals can assist in choosing the appropriate equipment and determining how to integrate it with the current healthcare infrastructure. Collaboration with these professionals is the only way for medical groups to fully utilize IoT in healthcare.

Inaccuracy and Overloading

Because there is so much patient data, storing it might be daunting. The more data you gather from IoT devices, the more challenging it is to manage and comprehend.
All of this complicates medical decision-making and may even result in incorrect diagnoses. IoT devices in the healthcare industry can also provide inaccurate information, which might corrupt the data. To prevent these issues, it’s critical to consider how you use IoT in healthcare carefully and to have accurate data.

Cost of IoT Technology Implementation

Costs are cited as an IoT challenge, which may surprise you, but it’s true. IoT is still in its infancy, but it can lower the cost of healthcare for the average person. Making IoT-enabled healthcare affordable takes time. Because treatment is less expensive in developing nations, some patients are choosing to travel there.

Applications of IoT in Healthcare

Applications of IoT in Healthcare
The impact of IoT on healthcare is set to increase. Healthcare providers will need IoT app development services for various applications that can help them efficiently perform complicated and tedious tasks. Hospital staff will no longer need to make patients wait in the emergency room. The administration department can track patients, hospital staff, and inventory. Besides, there are possibilities for various use cases as below:

Hearables

Modern hearing aids called Hearables have fundamentally changed how those who have hearing loss engage with the outside world.
These days, wearable technology can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It enables you to add layered features, equalize, and filter sounds from the real world. The best example of this is Doppler Labs.

Smart Video Pills

A smart pill passes through the patient’s digestive system to obtain a clear picture. The pill then transmits the image to a wearable gadget linked to specific medical apps. Thus, smart pills are helpful for remote visualization of the colon and gastrointestinal system.

Insulin Pens and Smart CGM

These gadgets share data via a specific mobile app and check blood glucose levels in real-time. They allow diabetic patients to monitor their blood sugar levels and transmit the information to their physicians and other medical personnel.

Healthcare Charting

A doctor’s manual labor during patient charting is significantly reduced by IoT devices like Audemix.
It records patient data and is controlled by voice commands. It facilitates easy access to patient data for evaluation and saves doctors about fifteen hours a week.

Ingestible Sensors

Indigestible sensors, the size of pills, are a marvel of modern science. They track drugs in our systems and alert us if they detect abnormalities.
A diabetic patient may benefit significantly from these sensors since they can reduce symptoms and warn early about serious health problems. One such instance is Proteus Digital Health.

Moodables

Mood-enhancing gadgets called “Moodables” make us feel happier throughout the day. Though this sounds like science fiction, it’s pretty accurate.
Halo Neurosciences and Thync are already working on it and have made great strides. Moodables are worn on the head and provide low-intensity currents to the brain to improve mood.

Computer Vision Technology

Drone technology, which attempts to replicate visual perception and, consequently, decision-making based on it, results from computer vision technology and artificial intelligence.
Drones such as Skydio use computer vision technology to identify and avoid obstacles. People who are blind or visually challenged can also use this technology to navigate effectively.

Conclusion

If you consider implementing the Internet of Things in the healthcare industry, you must thoroughly understand it. While IoT devices have advantages, businesses can face difficulties.
The development process is the biggest obstacle. Only an IoT app development company can assist you in resolving this problem. At Whitelotus Corporation, we have the best IoT developers who work passionately to ensure success in every project. They incorporate current trends into your project because they understand them.
Working with a leading mobile app development company will help you take on the most challenging projects and realize your IoT healthcare concepts. Contact us today.

Author

  • Sunil Chavda

    Sunil is a result-orientated Chief Technology Officer with over a decade of deep technical experience delivering solutions to startups, entrepreneurs, and enterprises across the globe. Have led large-scale projects in mobile and web applications using technologies such as React Native, Flutter, Laravel, MEAN and MERN stack development.

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