Technological advancements are invaluable in the delivery of healthcare services. Although people associate technology in a medical sphere with high-precision surgery appliances and computer equipment, in reality, the majority of advances used in healthcare are present in ordinary life as well. One such technology, which is already taken for granted is the Internet. The system of fast data exchange over computer networks is invaluable in hospitals and medical centers. One particular technological innovation, which has the capacity to enhance healthcare practices is the Internet of things. Understanding what constitutes the essence of the Internet of things is essential in ascertaining its potential impact on the sphere of healthcare.
The Internet of things (IoT) presupposes a physical environment, where objects are virtually connected. An effective way to conceptualize it is to imagine computer hardware. Each component is connected together by shared software, which controls the functionality of each detail. A classical computer uses physical wires to connect its constituents to each other. However, it is also possible to use wireless technology for the transfer of information. It allows connected objects to be distanced from each other. In essence, any number of objects can be connected at various distances as long as wireless communication is maintained.
The IoT technology is a valuable solution for healthcare management. St. Jude Medical became a pioneer in the implementation of IoT technology in healthcare in 2009 when a USB Adaptor was installed into a cardiac implant, which transferred data to physicians (Hudson & Clark, 2018). More than any other institution, hospitals rely on data input from medical devices (Singh et al., 2020). The faster doctors and nurses can be alerted about the changes in patients’ conditions, the sooner they will be able to take the necessary actions. However, they need technology, which would allow them to collect data from numerous sources simultaneously.
The Internet of Medical Things is an example of such technology. First, it can be used to monitor the health indicators of patients. The traditional approach to this task is conducting repetitive data collection activities, such as measuring blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen, and others (Chu et al., 2021). IoT allows for a continuous data flow, which is more efficient and less time-consuming. Second, sensors can be installed on patients themselves, who are out of the hospital and are at risk. When a dangerous condition exacerbates, the central processing unit analyzes the data feed and alarms the family or emergency services, when action is necessary (Chu et al., 2021). In all cases, there is the benefit of better control and faster communication.
Naturally, the IoT is a complex technology, the implementation of which has obstacles. First, the hospital has to possess enough data points and hardware to be able to analyze the continuous data flow (Joyia et al., 2017). Second, the number of devices that can be connected is so large that the integration is challenging and slow because of the absence of a unified protocol. Finally, there is the concern of data privacy, which is an extremely sensitive issue in the modern world (Joyia et al., 2017). The more patient healthcare is dependent on IoT technology, the more their personal data is exposed, which creates apprehension and anxieties.
Altogether, the Internet of Things has the capacity to revolutionize healthcare. It enables continuous control of patients’ health signs and can alert the medical personnel of any changes and risks. Not only will it save doctors’ time, but it will also provide them with valuable data on patients’ conditions. However, IoT technology is complex and requires much preparation and unification of protocols, which is a slow process. Moreover, it can possibly jeopardize the patients’ privacy and data security. Therefore, its implementation in healthcare is not fast, but it is consistent.
References
Chu, X., Nazir, S., Wang, K., Leng, Z., & Khalil, W. (2021). Big data and its V’s with IoT to develop sustainability. Scientific Programming, 2021(3780594), 1-16.
Hudson, F., & Clark, C. (2018). Wearables and medical interoperability: The evolving frontier. Computer, 51(9), 86-90.
Joyia, G. J., Liaqat, R. M., Farooq, A., & Rehman, S. (2017). Internet of medical things (IoMT): Applications, benefits and future challenges in healthcare domain.Journal of Communications, 12(4), 240-247.
Singh, R. P., Javaid, M., Haleem, A., Vaishya, R., & Ali, S. (2020). Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) for orthopaedic in COVID-19 pandemic: Roles, challenges, and applications. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, 11(4), 713-717.