Benefits of IoT(internet of things) in Healthcare

The Internet of Things is being implemented in almost every industry. As these devices become more accessible and affordable, businesses are finding new ways to leverage the technology to streamline processes and cut costs. This has also opened up new opportunities for innovations in almost every field including healthcare. From monitoring patient vitals from home to analyzing data from wearables to alerting caregivers about at-risk patients, IoT devices are improving the quality of care and shortening hospital stays. If you’re interested in learning more about how IoT is transforming healthcare and improving patient care, keep reading.

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things (or IoT) is an online network of connected devices. Anything with an internet connection can be added to the network, and it allows these devices to communicate and exchange information with each other. This allows devices to be more accessible and more helpful especially in healthcare. IoT devices can be used to monitor patient vitals, transmit data to doctors and caregivers, and can even be linked to other devices (like medical equipment) to make them more efficient. Since IoT devices are connected to the internet, they can be accessed remotely. This provides convenience and flexibility for both patients and their caregivers especially those who are at risk and need regular monitoring.

Tracking patient vitals from home

One of the first uses of IoT devices in healthcare was in tracking patient vitals from home. Wearable devices like blood pressure monitors, weight scales, and glucose monitors can be connected to a secure internet network and allow patients to track their vitals from the comfort of their own homes. This way, patients don’t have to make the trek to their doctor’s office every time they want to check their blood pressure or glucose levels. In fact, many of these devices can be programmed to send automatic alerts to patients or their caregivers when readings fall outside of set parameters (such as blood glucose levels during a time of day when they’re supposed to be at their lowest). From glucose monitors that send data to an app so patients can track their progress and diet, to blood pressure monitors that can be programmed to send notifications when readings are high or low, wearable devices can monitor your vitals from the convenience of your home.

Continuous monitoring for at-risk patients

Classifying patients as “at risk” means that they’re likely to experience complications during a hospital stay. This might be due to an existing medical condition, the reason for their visit, or their age. If patients are identified as at risk and are monitored with standard hospital protocols, it can help reduce the risk of complications and shorten their stay in the hospital. But with limited resources and an ever-growing population, an increasing number of patients are being identified as at risk and not receiving the monitoring they need. To address this problem, IoT devices are being used to continuously monitor at-risk patients and send their data to caregivers. This data can help doctors and nurses identify problems early and intervene before they become serious issues.

Real-time data for remote caregiving

One of the biggest advantages of IoT is the ability to send and receive data in real time. This means that caregivers can monitor patient vitals in real time no matter where they are and respond to issues before they become serious. With medical equipment and IoT devices connecting to a cloud-based database, caregivers can remotely access patient vitals and other information. This enables them to provide better care by responding to readings in real time and administering care more quickly. For example, a nurse can view a patient’s vitals on a computer or phone and respond by administering fluids, administering pain medication, or providing other appropriate care. This is especially helpful in an emergency situation when seconds count and the nurse might be on another floor.

Smart beds and IV drips

In addition to monitoring patient vitals, IoT devices are being used in hospitals to make life easier for patients and caregivers. One way this is being done is with smart beds that are connected to the internet. These beds can track a patient’s movement, send this information to the bedside computer, and adjust the bed to the patient’s position. This reduces the number of times patients need to be repositioned and can help prevent bedsores. It also allows caregivers to remotely adjust the bed and notify patients when it’s time to change positions. Similarly, many hospitals are also using connected IV pumps to deliver fluids and medications. These pumps can be programmed to deliver the correct amount of medication in the correct amount of time. This can save nurses time and help prevent errors.

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