In healthcare, time saved leads to lives saved. IoT innovations are making healthcare facilities more efficient so that providers can focus on meeting the needs of their patients. Read on for three of the top IoT trends impacting the healthcare industry in 2022.
Connectivity
The increased use of IoT technology and other digital tools in the healthcare industry has opened the floodgates to vast amounts of information. Existing networks struggle to handle the data efficiently and securely. In 2022 and beyond, healthcare providers will meet this growing need through two innovative solutions: 5G networks and edge computing.
5G Networks
With speeds ranging from 10 Gbps to 20 Gbps, 5G transports vital information in real-time, equipping medical personnel to make timely, well-informed decisions. Private 5G networks offer hospitals greater security than Wi-Fi or public mobile networks. The ultra-low latency, consistent reliability, and high scalability of 5G enables efficient indoor and outdoor communication, and increased remote monitoring for patients, personnel, and equipment.
Edge Computing
Edge computing will work with 5G, processing the information in real-time as 5G transmits it. The decentralized infrastructure of an edge system avoids the cloud and processes data closer to the digital interaction. Edge computing can involve a hybrid structure where some data is sent to the cloud and some is processed on edge hardware, but decreased reliance on the cloud will minimize latency and bandwidth issues. the investment.
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Automation
As new connectivity solutions increase the delivery speed and volume of unstructured data, healthcare providers will turn to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to sift through it all. As AI sorts through information from Electronic Health Records (EHRs), medical devices, and trackers, its ability to analyze patterns and identify anomalies will prove an invaluable tool for healthcare providers who can become overwhelmed by mountains of data.
Although AI and ML are helpful for automating administrative activities, they are also used in precision medicine, drug discovery, and diagnosis and treatment. Health IT News found that 63% of their research subjects believe that AI and ML provide value in specialty care departments such as radiology, generic pharmacy, and pathology.
Remote Monitoring
In 2022, healthcare providers will use IoT solutions to track assets and monitor patients.
Tracking Assets
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that “20–40% of all health spending is wasted through inefficiency.” One major way to maximize efficiency is through equipment utilization. Healthcare providers will turn to Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) to prevent hoarding, minimize theft, and limit misplacement of assets.
Monitoring Patients
Wearables and other IoT devices enable healthcare providers to monitor patients located inside a facility or in the comfort of their own homes. Remote monitoring devices are especially useful for facilities dealing with staff shortages or for patients with chronic health conditions. Real-time data from these devices equip healthcare providers and caregivers with the information they need to make effective and timely decisions.
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