Smart city, smart industries, and smart everything- The revolutionary IoT (Internet of Things) concept has started transforming our world into the ‘Internet of Everything’ by making ‘things’ intelligent. Among the prime beneficiaries of IoT technology, we can include real estate, hospitality, eCommerce, and healthcare sectors. But, out of these, the healthcare sector is all set to get the most from the IoT technology and getting smarter with the prevalence of the Internet.
As per a Technavio report, the global smart healthcare market is expected to post a CAGR of almost 25 percent during the period of five years ranging from 2016 to 2020. Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, has revealed in its global study that almost 60 percent of healthcare enterprises have introduced IoT devices in their systems. There is noIoT and Healthcare Sector exaggeration in saying that the IoT concept has redefined health care services and take them to the next level with the help of connected devices and improved people interaction.
The use of IoT in the healthcare domain facilitates process automation and enables healthcare providers to offer a fresh outlook with an integrated healthcare network while mitigating the risks associated with human errors. For example, the connected devices can control the airflow and temperature with more accuracy as compared to the same is done by the hospital staff.
Table of Contents
IoT offers a plethora of advantages in the healthcare sector. Let’s mention some of the most noteworthy benefits:
Cost reduction
IoT facilitates real-time patient monitoring, thereby eliminating the requirement of frequent visits. Advanced home care facilities, which are responsible for the reduction in hospital stays and number of readmission, also contribute to overall cost reduction.
Error-free performance
Accurate data collection, automated workflows, and data-driven decisions help healthcare enterprises cut down the wastage, reduce system costs and minimize human errors. When it comes to the healthcare sector, there is no room for even the slightest error, and IoT devices can minimize the risk associated with errors.
Improved patient experience
An IoT concept enables the healthcare system to connect in a way that meets every patient’s requirements. The connected system enables healthcare app service providers to offer dedicated procedures, proactive treatment, and accurate diagnoses that result in improved patient experience. Furthermore, timely intervention by physicians and more accountability further strengthen trust among the patients.
Better disease management
The IoT can fetch real-time data to assist healthcare providers in monitoring patients on a continuous basis. It means that healthcare professionals can spot any disease before becoming severe.
Homecare
It allows physicians to monitor the patients in the comfort of their homes. Sensors are installed on the medical apparatus lay by the bedside of a patient. The collected data is sent to the hospital where a qualified health professional analyses it. However, the data safety concerns loom large and the healthcare service providers have to focus more on this aspect.
Enhanced drug management
Based on the real-time data regarding the patient’s condition and accurate diagnosis, drug management can be improved a lot. IoT processes and devices can manage both prognosis and treatment efficiently while saving huge bucks for the healthcare industry.
Conclusion
The IoT technology has a very high potential to bring a radical change in the healthcare sector. All we need to take care of protecting the privacy of people or say the patient’s health data. Secure and manageable infrastructure can enable the sector to get the most from the flourishing IoT concept.
Author Bio
Name: Robert Jackson
Robert Jackson is a content cum digital marketer at Solution Analyst, a leading mobile app development company. He is an avid reader and likes to remain updated for technological advancements in the domains of the web, mobility, IoT, and emerging technologies. His articles are informative and interesting at the same time as he expresses insightful thoughts clearly.
