The Healthcare sector is usually a quick adopter of new patient monitoring technology. We continue to see innovation by using the massive web-connected world with technologies such as the internet of things. The advent of technology allows patients to stay well-connected with the doctors by using virtual visits and remote monitoring. Moreover, it is helpful to the patients and hospital staff alike. These smart healthcare devices can facilitate care for chronic disorders and can automate the workflow of patient care. You can also get lower healthcare costs by streamlining the overall process.

Use of IoT for Patient Monitoring

Here are some examples of medical devices that use IoT

Medical data transferring tools
Remote temperature monitoring for vaccines
Vital signs data capturing
Air quality sensors
Drug effectiveness tracking
Medication refill reminder technology
Sleep monitor
Sleep and safety tools for infants
Remote care biometrics scanners

Here are some applications.

1. Nexleaf analytics for Patient Monitoring

Nexleaf technologies intend to raise health conditions in less developed countries with improvement in cooking and vaccination. Moreover, the ColdTrace system gives you wireless remote temperature monitoring useful for vaccine refrigerators used in clinics in rural areas and health facilities. This allows the public health workers a better opportunity to administer their life-saving injections safely. Similarly, the same company has introduced StoveTrace, a cloud-based remote monitoring system used for better cookstoves in rural areas. Furthermore, it facilitates real-time usage measurement and offers monetary rewards for cooking by using safe appliances.

2. Honeywell Monitoring

The application Genesis Touch from Honeywell allows remote patient monitoring devices, and you can connect with remotely situated healthcare providers. Furthermore, they receive transmitted biometrics data through the patient dashboard. This application can also host video visits and provide access to patient’s vital statistics for multiple providers. In addition, it can be integrated by using a blood pressure monitor, oximeter, and a precise health scale. The smart global remote patient monitoring devices sector is expected to grow rapidly through 2025.

3. IBM/Pfizer Monitoring

The IBM and Pfizer collaboration uses IoT technology to track the effectiveness of Parkinson’s drugs and make suitable dosage adjustments in real-time for enhancing the communication between doctors and patients. Additionally, the partnership has developed Parkinson House recently, which is an application decked with sensors on everything from cupboard doors to fridge handles. Moreover, it can detect even a small variation in patient movement. All this data is collected and is wirelessly beamed to the scientists who analyze it for medication and patient progress.

4. Beddit

Beddit is an application owned by Apple, and it intends to improve sleep quality. It has a Bluetooth-connected app-driven sleep monitor to track heart rate, sleep movement, snoring, and breathing. After this, the app analyzes the data collected to decide the best available alternative for a good slumber experience. Although the Apple watches do not come with sleep tracking functionality yet, the industry experts hope that the 2017 acquisition of Beddit by Apple means this reality might change in the near future.

5. Aeris Communications

Aeris gives you what is typically a plug-and-play platform for the medical device makers and healthcare providers to maintain communication with patients and ensure that they comply with the medical advice such as proper medical dose with the right frequency. In several cases, this monitoring by using the sensors allows the patients to remain at their homes, eliminating the hospital costs and travel time. This is extremely beneficial for those who are living in far-flung locales. In addition, this Aeris technology gives the healthcare providers more frequent assessment of patients through easily monitored data, timely treatment, and transparency in compliance that aids them in insurance reimbursement. Many other industries apart from health can use this platform.

Conclusion

In the middle of the current coronavirus pandemic, these RPM and connected health devices are more significant than ever. Overall, they allow physicians to monitor various patients without actually coming in contact with them at any stage. It also helps in the spread of the new Covid-19 virus. Moreover, the technology helps keep the less severe cases out of hospitals, thereby preserving significant bed space for those severely affected. It just makes sense to use the RPM or remote patient monitoring devices in the healthcare industry.

Author: Bella Clarks