The Internet of Things, often shortened to IoT, refers to a system of connected hardware devices, both mechanical and digital, that are implanted with unique sensors that allow the transfer of data over a network without the need for human-to-human or human-to-computer communication.
In simpler language, IoT refers to physical objects with detectors that can easily process data from devices over networks. For example, a smart home is an IoT end product. You can power your home systems like lights, door locks, and tv through a single device which can be a tablet, remote, or smartphone.
IoT uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to curate data that is used to provide accurate results. IoT has several use cases, such as real estate, logistics, retail, health care, etc.
Our major concern in this article is healthcare. Healthcare is important in our daily lives. In developing countries, there are issues of inaccurate diagnoses, poor health faculties, mismanagement of patient files, and other nascent problems that are not directly related to the experience of patients
Use cases for IoT in Healthcare
I have highlighted several ways IoT can be implemented in healthcare to improve service delivery.
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Real-time diagnosis: The technology developed can get real-time data on a patient’s behavior or Information on vitals such as body temperature, heart rate, or blood pressure through sensor-embedded devices. Alerts can also be set in a way that people in charge of the patient are aware of a change in the regular functioning of the vitals.
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Inventory management: proper inventory management allows medical practitioners to focus on more pressing issues. With technology, health workers can track supplies they are lacking and what is missing, which allows for better planning.
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Security: sensitive records can be safeguarded by encrypted software that is accessible to only the patient and the assigned medical practitioner.
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Smart Assets: just like the example with smart homes, we can have smart beds or smart hospitals tailored to help patients have the best care. This asset makes the life of the patient and practitioner easy. From the practitioner's point of view, it helps with the hospital's administration and improves the customer experience. For the patient, getting better is a necessary win.
Shortcomings of IoT in Healthcare
While we make a case for the benefits of IoT, it’s important to understand that technology has shortcomings. There is a margin of error that may not be envisaged.
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Security breaches: cyber threats from potential hackers or malware may be a downfall for this technology. Security measures for authentication can not be overemphasized.
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Human error: Devices are fed with data for them to perform effectively. If the information provided in this system is incorrect that we have less than accurate performance
If these challenges are considered, the Internet of Things can elevate healthcare in ways we’ve never imagined.