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Why is the Internet of Things (IoT) becoming more important in healthcare?

The Internet of Things is a network of physical devices containing sensors and actuators, software, and network connectivity that enable objects to collect and communicate data and complete tasks for users. Today, IoT is a critical component of healthcare's digital transformation, prompting the creation of a distinct collection of efforts known as IoHT (Internet of Health Things) or IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) (Internet of Medical Things).

Patient care based on the Internet of Things

• Tracking your medication intake

Doctors can track the influence of a prescribed medication's dosage on a patient's condition using IoT-based medication tracking. Patients, for their part, can keep track of their medication intake via in-app reminders and by recording how their symptoms change in the app for further analysis by their doctor. The patient app can be connected to smart devices to make managing different medications easier (e.g., a smart pill bottle).

• Health monitoring using the internet

This use case is particularly relevant for chronic disease management among instances of using IoT in healthcare. Patients can employ connected medical equipment or body-worn biosensors to allow doctors and nurses to check their vitals (blood pressure, glucose level, heart rate, and so on) using doctor/nurse-facing apps. Health professionals may keep an eye on this data 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and examine the reports created by the app to learn more about health patterns. In-person appointments are scheduled for patients who show indicators of health deterioration.

Medical asset monitoring with IoT and RFID

Inventory and equipment management in the healthcare

RFID (radio frequency identification) tags are embedded in all medical gadgets and durable assets (beds, medical equipment). Fixed RFID readers (for example, on the walls) acquire information on asset location. Medical personnel can access it via a mobile or web application that includes a map.

Drug monitoring

RFID-enabled medicine tracking aids pharmacies and hospitals in ensuring the validity of prescription packages and detecting medication shortages promptly.
Smart Hospital Space

Patients can regulate their ambience with the cloud-connected ward sensors (e.g., a light switch, door and window contacts) and environmental sensors (e.g., hydrometers, noise detectors).

Benefits of employing IoT technology in healthcare

Patient-centered care

Medical IoT enables patients to become active participants in their own treatment, resulting in better care results. Furthermore, IoMT aids in improving patient satisfaction with care delivery, from communication with medical personnel to physical comfort (smart lighting, climate control, etc.).

Care-related prices are reduced

Patients who are not in severe condition can stay at home and use cloud-connected medical IoT devices to collect, track, and communicate health data to a medical Centre. Patients can also book e-visits with nurses and doctors without having to go to the hospital thanks to telehealth technology.

Hospitalizations are reduced

Patient apps with biosensors help assure adherence to a discharge plan, provide early identification of health state aberrations, and allow for remote interaction with a health professional.