IoT, or the internet of things, is making a big impact on the healthcare industry. A report by Allied Market Research predicts the IoT healthcare market will reach $136.8 billion worldwide by 2021. The internet of things is changing the way patients and healthcare personnel interact with many ways. Below are three ways IoT is revolutionizing the healthcare industry.
Internet of Things Can Integrate Different Medical Devices
Only a few decades ago doctors used to record their notes by hand and enter patient data into antiquated devices. Now, with modern technology and the internet of things, it’s easier than ever before for people to seamlessly connect medical devices to one another. This means physicians can easily get access to patient data using a range of devices. For example, tools like blood pressure cuffs can automatically transmit vital signs and other important data into the hospital’s electronic medical record. Patients can also use in-home medical devices to submit data to their healthcare provider. When medical devices are integrated, it can make life simpler for both patients and physicians.
Internet of Things Can Help Streamline The Workflow
The internet of things can also help healthcare organizations streamline their processes and optimize their workflow. The powerful technology gives physicians and healthcare personnel the power to collect, view and analyze patient data faster than before. Instead of creating a paper trail for every patient, hospitals can identify patients using wrist bands with sophisticated tagging technology. Integrated medical devices and streamlined work processes can help medical staff identify and diagnose health issues more quickly than before.
Internet of Things Can Help Healthcare Organizations Manage Inventory
Hospitals and other healthcare organizations have to track a wide range of expensive medical equipment. They can learn a lot from the retail industry, which was one of the first industries to use the internet of things to track physical inventory. The technology can make it easier for hospitals to monitor their devices and integrate data into their inventory management systems or ERP systems on the back-end.
Internet of Things Can Improve Member Engagement with Payers and Hospitals
Healthcare IoT can also improve member engagement between payers, hospitals and patients. Members can use the technology to monitor their personal health information and access their health records. Internet of things can also help patients submit real-time information about their health directly to their provider. When patients play a more active role in their healthcare, it can help doctors understand what they need.
The IoT phenomenon will likely grow due to technology like smart sensors and wearable devices becoming more affordable for hospitals and patients. More hospitals also have access to high-speed internet.
Unfortunately there are some disadvantages associated with using internet of things in a healthcare environment. It is expensive to develop a complete infrastructure for connected devices connected. Payers, hospitals and other players also have to make sure to have security provisions that will protect patient data from hackers.
Overall, IoT can make healthcare more personalized and increase patient engagement. Although the technology currently focuses on inventory management, workflow optimization and device integration, it has unlimited potential and can impact other parts of the healthcare industry. The internet of things healthcare market is also expanding due to companies rushing to develop devices and fitness applications that can help physicians collect data and monitor patients.
Please contact us today to learn more about how you could use high-tech innovations in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, Internet of Things, etc. to help your company increase revenues and streamline operations.
Majid Abai – September 2017 – Los Angeles.
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About The Author:
Majid Abai is Managing Director of Concepts Rise (www.ConceptsRise.com), a High-Technology and Innovation Consultancy based in Los Angeles, CA, USA. With over 30 years of experience in supporting US and global organizations, Mr. Abai focuses on strategic and tactical approach to use of innovation and technology to increase revenues and reduce costs for organizations. Majid could be reached at 424-320-0524 or via email at majid.abai@ConceptsRise.com.