The Internet of Things has completely changed the face of modernization with ‘smart’ devices. Today, we get fascinating assistance from Alexa and Siri in no time. Even if you are not able to reach your device, you can use your voice to direct instructions to these smart devices.
But IoT is no longer limited to the technological field. It is progressing faster and quicker. There was a time when some experts claimed that no matter how incredible IoT gets, it can never be a lifesaving medical care provider at times of crisis.
Guess what! Technology and IoT have proved everyone wrong.
IoT has combined with Telehealth to become IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) to create an effective disruption in the industry. It has taken medical assistance to a whole new level.
Why does IoMT matter? It is because WHO (World Health Organization) predicts that by the end of 2030, there would be a shortfall of 18 million health workers. Especially in low income or middle-income generating countries.
With the IoMT, the healthcare sector can boost its performance and can meet the requirements. The industry can offer reliable healthcare services with enhanced performance.
Understanding IoMT
Forbes has precisely defined the Internet of Medical Things as:
“It is a linked system of medical devices and software applications. They are programmed to collect the data that transfer to the healthcare IT systems using online networks. Either through the mobile device or a web solution, the software transmits the live health updates.”
Hence, IoMT is an advanced combination of medical devices with software applications. They are integrated into the IT systems in the healthcare units through wireless connectivity.
Through modern IoMT devices, it is easy to monitor, inform, and notify the health condition. Not just the care-givers are notified but the healthcare providers also receive an alert. This is proving as a miraculous invention, helping in saving patients before they become critical.
So, we are going to check 6 amazing IoMT devices of 2021. These devices are reshaping the healthcare sector for good.
- Fitness Tracking Devices
These are wearable devices that have a sensor in them. The sensor collects the data, analyzes it, and then transmits it. These consumer wearables are connected to the user's smartphone application. They store and maintain the data for later usage.
Fitness tracking devices include smartwatches, smart shorts, wristbands, smart shoes, etc. These all accessories and clothing articles have a built-in sensor in them. It can be easily connected to their respective mobile apps to keep your fitness record.
2. Clinical Grade Wearables
Usually advised by the physicians themselves, clinical grade wearables are revolutionary. It is a certified wearable device, approved by regulatory bodies. Clinical grade wearables are focused on improving chronic health conditions and ailments.
The top clinical grade wearables powered with IoMT tech are:
- Smart belts – are used by elderly patients to ensure hip protection if they fall
- Chest straps – embedded with advanced ECG, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory sensors
These devices are assisting doctors in checking the real-time health condition of their patients. During the pandemic, clinical grade wearables helped the healthcare workers in monitoring the patient's status. Especially with the chest strap, they were able to check their respiratory rate and ECG all the time.
3. Remote Monitoring Devices
During coronavirus, remote patient monitoring devices proved to be the most helpful IoMT device. It helps the healthcare providers access the condition of a patient even if they are discharged. Critical COVID patients used the device to make sure they were recovering from the deadly virus.
The medical practitioner uses these devices to virtually access the patient and advise them for treatment. It provides a 24/7 health status of the patient and uses post-discharge. With the least cost, remote patient monitoring devices provide the doctors with a platform to ensure the best health services.
4. Smart Pills
Smart pills are advanced IoMT devices that are being used in modern hospitals. They are like our typical drugs but have an ingestible sensor in it. The built-in sensor activates as soon as the pill dissolves in the stomach fluids. The work of the sensor is to transmit the required data to a wearable patch. These consumer wearable devices are usually attached to the patient. The stored data received in the wearable then transmit to a smartphone for permanent storage.
These are mostly used in cases where medication compliances are vital for the survival of the patient. For instance, the smart pill for a patient suffering from Alzheimer's can do miracles. The patient is already suffering from severe mental illness. Therefore, it becomes hard to make them compliant with the medication. With smart pills, the care-giver can achieve this.
The data stored in the smartphone due to the pill is transferred to the physician through wireless connectivity. Once the work is done, these sensors naturally discharge via the gastrointestinal tract of the patient.
5. Clinical Monitoring Setup
There is a wide range of IoMT clinical monitors that are used in clinical setups. The clinical monitoring setup records and stores the data of the patient's health. For future consultations, these records are stored in the cloud, and can be retrieved at any time.
Digital stethoscopes are modern IoMT devices being used in clinical setups. They store the vitals of the patient and transmit it to a mobile application. These stethoscopes also analyze every heartbeat they hear and compare it to previously stored records.
6. RFID Hospital Devices
IoMT is not just making the life of the patients easier. It is in fact, helping in the management of healthcare assets. With RFID chips, the hospitals are now able to track down their expensive machines. This way they can ensure its safety and avoid tech abuse. With advanced IoMT services, hospitals can also handle their inventory.
MRI or ECG machines have already made the hospital devices smarter and quicker in the assessment. With electronic data management, healthcare providers are now able to access patient information within seconds. Today, the majority of hospital devices are running via wireless connectivity to boost performance.
Healthtech Becoming A Reality with IoMT
Researchers claim that by the end of 2026, the global market of IoMT is expected to hit USD 254.2 billion. Back in 2018, the market was valued at USD 44.5 billion only.
Imagine the power of Artificial Intelligence when combined with IoMT! The connected ecosystem of the healthcare segment can take exceptional turns, saving lives more efficiently. The automated prescription can become a possibility soon!
Wrapping Up
IoMT devices are expected to create a path for medical kiosks and other quick solutions. The medical units would be able to provide better healthcare services from a distant location. Lower cost and effective solutions are going to be the future of the healthcare sector with the IoMT revolution.
Tkxel can help you discover the true potential of IoMT and IoT. Let connect to craft ideas into reality for the betterment of the healthcare industry. Drop a line today!
