The Internet of Things is becoming more extensive from the workplace and even at home. It has been a gradual transition in the healthcare field, but the digital possibilities for health are definitely something to be considered. In this article, we will be outlining the 5 key trends.
The Internet of things refer to the inter-connectivity of smart devices; working together with other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity. The aim is to enable each of these objects to collect and exchange data.
This technological transformation is trending to heavily modify healthcare over the course of a few years. Consider machines that can assess an individual’s well-being from within their own home, circumventing a visit to a doctor. Add to this mobile apps that can assess blood and temperature, assessing signs as symptoms. Other devices can send reminders about when to take their medication as prescribed.
Based on this trajectory, several key trends and future state developments has been considered. The five most interesting of these have been selected and expanded upon.
Second is improved patient care. This stems from health tracking information gatherers where a change in the condition or patient’s medication adherence can be wirelessly sent to doctors or nurse teams, leading to a speedier important interventions.
Third is the empowered patients. The Internet of Things will allow patients to get expert medical advice without going to the doctor via telehealth applications. Here the patient and the doctor (located anywhere in the world) become connected.
Fourth is improved technology. The greater utilization of connected technology, the more reliable it will become, especially through competition between providers. Wearables are the devices most likely to be affected. Expect better communication standards and protocols for the new generation of medical devices.
Fifth, and finally, expect to see a reduction in aesthetics and a rise in reliability. At present, too many devices, like fitness trackers are designed and marketed on what they look like with only what they do as secondary. The shift here will be towards solving and monitoring medical issues with greater accuracy.
