The Impact and Benefits of IoT in Healthcare: A Connected Future for Better Health

A man with a heart condition must regularly track his pulse, blood pressure, and other daily activities. An implanted device in his body accomplishes this from the comfort of his home and with minimal management. If the numbers look concerning, the device sends a message to his smartphone as well as to his physician. The cause—too much fast-paced walking—is diagnosed and fixed with no intervention; these are the most common benefits of IoT in healthcare.

Throughout the entire process, the patient remains at home, never needing to pay an in-person visit to his doctor. No direct medical attention is ever needed. He is, therefore, spared the stress of transportation, waiting times, and unnecessary additional tests. This ideal medical situation is becoming more common among all types of patients, thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT).

The Internet of Things—i.e., the web-enabled connection of everyday devices—has become increasingly common. Voice commands, automation, and electronic interactions can accomplish daily functions that usually require manual human labor, like vacuuming the floor, sending emails, adjusting thermostats, or using Google.

In 2011, before the smartwatch and fitness tracker entered the commercial market, the number of IoT-connected devices worldwide outnumbered the people who possessed them. According to Statista, the IoT healthcare market worldwide is projected to generate US$108.60 billion in revenue by 2024.

As far as global comparisons go, in 2024, the United States is predicted to generate the highest revenue with $9,377 million. The IoT healthcare market is rapidly expanding, with an increasing number of hospitals implementing smart medical devices and remote patient monitoring systems.

The Internet of Things has had a particularly great impact on healthcare, as demonstrated by The Allure Group. In July 2018, Allure became the first Brooklyn-based skilled nursing facility to implement EarlySense, a remote monitoring system that tracks patients’ vital signs and movements courtesy of sensors placed under mattresses and pillows.

Since its introduction at the Bedford Center—one of six facilities in the Allure network—EarlySense has correlated to widespread results showing a 45% reduction in patient falls a 60% reduction in bedsores, and an 80% reduction in code blue events.

Bringing the benefits of IoT in healthcare into medicine results in patient care that is better, safer, and simpler. From medical device implantation to smart sensors, the IoT can expedite the delivery of healthcare, allowing physicians to spend less time on logistics and more time treating conditions and consulting with patients. The IoT is already making a positive impact on medical care in several ways.

How the IoT is Already Part of Healthcare

Communication through smart devices reduces in-person visits and lets patients manage their care from home. The IoT in healthcare allows care providers to track factors like sleep, heart rate, temperature, physical activity, and blood pressure, to name a few.

As with the hypothetical patient above, alerts are sent to both patients and providers when there is cause for concern, allowing for fast and convenient treatment. Certain devices help reduce the manual work that usually goes into charting patient data. Using voice commands, it captures information and makes it instantly available for review, saving the physician approximately 15 hours per week.

Hearing aids are now connected to Bluetooth technology, letting patients easily adjust levels to suit their specific ears. Ingestible, pill-sized sensors made by companies like Proteus Digital Health monitor medications in the body. Moodables are headpieces that monitor brain waves to combat depression.

Computer Vision technology combined with drones and artificial intelligence (AI) helps the visually impaired navigate physical obstacles. Contact lenses can now help monitor blood sugar for diabetes patients.

Smart Fridge by Weka ensures that vaccines are stored at the right temperatures, streamlining the process for providers and analyzing trends to improve vaccine programs.

Companies such as Novartis, Qualcomm, and Propeller Health are developing smart inhalers to help patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung conditions. The list goes on. The IoT is rapidly improving medical technology, easing the strain on doctors and patients alike.

🔹Data Collection, Reporting and Monitoring

Before computers entered the healthcare scene, collecting patient data, storing it safely, and monitoring it took a lot of manual labor. Now, IoT in healthcare can collect data and deliver it to the provider no matter where they are, what time it is, or what devices they use to read it. The IoT’s improvements to reporting can save lives.

Spotting problems in real-time allows for quicker and more effective treatment. Reporting emergencies through mobile healthcare apps allows medics to get information faster and provide higher-quality care before the patient arrives at the hospital.

Medical devices connected through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other technology send data to both the patient and the physician. Providers can access final reports and graphs to determine a conclusion for treatment. Data collection in this form can speed up the decision-making process and significantly reduce human errors. Platforms like Kaa (KaaIoT Technologies), Azure (Microsoft), Insights Hub (Siemens), and others are improving the way medical data is collected and analyzed.

🔹Remote Patient Monitoring

Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the IoT in healthcare is its ability to monitor patients remotely. Sensors embedded in wearables, smart beds, and even ingestible capsules track vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, and medication adherence in real time. This constant stream of data empowers healthcare providers to proactively identify potential problems and intervene before complications arise.

Imagine a diabetic patient whose smart glucose monitor automatically transmits readings to their doctor, allowing for personalized insulin adjustments and preventing dangerous spikes. This continuous monitoring empowers patients to actively manage their health and gives providers a vital window into their well-being.

The integration of IoT healthcare technology ensures a seamless and efficient exchange of critical health information, facilitating timely interventions and personalized care. Due to the remote monitoring of heart failure, the Center for Connected Health Policy reported a reduction in readmission rates by 50 percent within 30 days.

🔹Medication Distribution

Several healthcare organizations are looking to use machines that administer prescriptions based on dosage. They can also provide data on ailments through linked devices. Pill-sized sensors can monitor medication from inside the body. Distributing medication via automation lessens the need for manual monitoring, ultimately freeing up providers to focus on more pressing issues.

🔹Affordability & Convenience

Utilizing machines to deliver patient care means that healthcare becomes increasingly affordable for all parties involved. Mobility solutions and other new technologies increase workflow productivity. The data collection, reporting, and analysis become more accurate, ultimately saving time and reducing the need for in-person visits.

That’s not just good for the patient but for the healthcare organization as well, allowing them to reduce wait times and prioritize urgent cases. The IoT can also improve care while the patients are in the hospital, cutting down on expenses for all parties. It can also optimize surgery workflow, informing families about the patient’s progress and discharge in real-time.

Benefits of IoT in Healthcare You Can’t Ignore

In the healthcare industry, a transformative era is underway, thanks to the rapid adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT). This interconnected network of sensors, devices, and software is weaving its magic into every aspect of patient care, promising a future of reduced costs, enhanced satisfaction, and increased access to quality healthcare for all.

🔸 Reduced Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs are a global concern, and IoT offers a tinge of hope for bringing down those hefty bills. Here’s how,

1. Reduced Readmissions and Shorter Stays

Imagine hospitals predicting and preventing complications before they arise. With IoT-connected wearable sensors continuously monitoring vital signs, doctors can proactively intervene, leading to fewer readmissions and shorter hospital stays. Every penny saved translates to improved financial health for both patients and healthcare systems.

2. Remote Monitoring Magic

Say goodbye to unnecessary doctor visits for routine checkups. Remote monitoring devices like smart blood pressure cuffs and glucose meters allow patients to track their health from the comfort of their homes. This not only saves on transportation costs but also frees up valuable time for both patients and healthcare providers.

3. Medication Adherence Made Easy

Forget missed pills and ineffective treatments. Smart pill dispensers and medication trackers can remind patients to take their medication on time and alert doctors if doses are missed. This boosts treatment effectiveness, reduces hospitalizations, and ultimately saves money.

4. Early Disease Detection

The holy grail of cost savings lies in preventing diseases altogether. By collecting and analyzing real-time health data, IoT algorithms can identify early signs of chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. This allows for timely intervention and treatment, preventing costly complications down the line.

🔸Improved Patient Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a key metric for healthcare success. Here’s how IoT empowers patients and boosts their satisfaction:

1. Taking Control of Your Health

Imagine having your health data at your fingertips, accessible on your smartphone or tablet. Wearables and health trackers make this a reality, giving patients real-time insights into their vitals, sleep patterns, and activity levels. This knowledge empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health and treatment.

2. Feeling Connected, Even from Afar

Remote monitoring isn’t just about saving money; it’s about building stronger patient-provider relationships. With regular virtual consultations and data sharing, patients can feel connected to their doctors even when they are miles apart. This enhances trust, reduces anxiety, and fosters a sense of continuity in care.

3. Personalized Medicine

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all treatments. By analyzing a vast amount of individual health data, IoT can pave the way for personalized medicine. Doctors can tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs and genetic makeup, leading to more effective therapies and improved outcomes.

4. Early Disease Detection, Empowered Patients

Just like cost savings, early disease detection benefits both patients and the healthcare system. When patients are informed about potential health risks early on, they can make lifestyle changes and seek preventive care, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing the burden on healthcare resources.

The potential of IoT in healthcare is truly transformative. From cost savings and improved patient satisfaction to increased access to care, this technological revolution is poised to redefine the healthcare landscape for the better. As we embrace the power of interconnected devices and data, we pave the way for a healthier, happier future for all.

Challenges in IoT in Healthcare

In addition to security, there are obstacles to accessibility. Internet access is not always readily available, particularly for many patients who are elderly, live in rural areas, or are in low-income brackets.

For healthcare and IT departments, the sheer amount of data that comes in through connected devices can be overwhelming, also requiring a steep learning curve. Organizations that do not voluntarily adopt the IoT will likely take the longest to catch up with the bigger cities and institutions that do.

If IoT in healthcare sounds like a dream rather than a reality, it almost is. In certain situations, the challenges nearly outweigh the benefits. Security is the most pressing concern about IoT healthcare. The goals to collect, manage, and store data without risking the hacking of confidential information are ongoing.

As a nation, the United States has a long way to go before achieving a foolproof method. Companies are working on vastly improving security in medical data storage. Even when this issue is resolved, the technology will almost require extensive training for both physicians and administrators. Many healthcare organizations don’t yet have the time or resources to implement the technology, the time, or the training.

Despite the challenges, the future of healthcare will undoubtedly involve the IoT. The IoT will certainly revolutionize the medical industry in unprecedented ways. Improving small parts of already-existing products will bring about significant positive change in healthcare and the lives of patients worldwide.

With higher levels of intelligence, connectivity, and more sophisticated gathering and monitoring of data, new scientific achievements are possible every day. The results are higher efficiency, reduced waste, and healthier lifestyles. That is just the beginning of a future where the medical systems work to their fullest potential.