The Internet of Things (IoT) app development is poised to revolutionize our lifestyles and workplaces. With its full potential, it promises to usher in fundamental changes across all aspects of our daily lives.
This transformation is particularly evident in the healthcare sector, which has relied on pen and paper for patient information for decades. However, the landscape of healthcare technology is undergoing significant changes.
IoT services in healthcare now empower patients to schedule appointments without the need for traditional phone calls, reducing the wait time associated with contacting a doctor’s office. Furthermore, healthcare professionals can access patient information seamlessly through smartphone apps, thanks to IoT services.
The pace of this increasing connectivity shows no signs of slowing down; in fact, it’s accelerating. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) market is projected to reach $187.60 billion by 2028, a substantial increase from its 2020 value of $41.17 billion.
In summary, the growth of IoT services in healthcare leads to enhanced data accessibility, ultimately resulting in improved healthcare outcomes for patients.
The Evolution of Healthcare Technology
Physicians have adapted to the demands of the workplace by embracing digital tools. These changes are driven by evolving business models, including value-based reimbursement and virtual care, as well as advancements in technologies like Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and precision medicine.
Arguably, one of the most significant technological advancements in recent decades has been the development of EHRs. Previously, hospitals relied on multiple systems to manage various functions, but EHRs consolidate these functions into a single system.
Efficiently connecting technology systems containing patient data is essential for delivering cost-effective, high-quality care. However, longstanding challenges in healthcare interoperability persist due to misaligned business incentives among industry players and the widespread dispersion of patient data.
Leading EHR software developers play a crucial role in unlocking patient data trapped within their technology systems. These companies have faced criticism for making patient data challenging to access through other EHR products.
According to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s May 2021 survey, approximately 80% of clinicians believe that their current EHR system contributes to better patient outcomes.
Despite their advantages, EHRs have also faced criticism as a significant contributor to clinician burnout. Poor usability, inefficient functions, and distractions from patient care are among the concerns.
IoT Medical Devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) empowers healthcare providers to expand their reach beyond traditional clinical settings. Home monitoring systems enable patients and healthcare professionals to monitor individuals’ health outside of doctor’s offices, reducing unnecessary and costly in-person visits.
Another IoT service in healthcare that US health systems and hospitals are increasingly adopting for improved outcomes and reduced costs is remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology. This approach utilizes connected devices equipped with IoT sensors to provide healthcare providers with real-time health data, including heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose monitoring.
As the demand for convenience and remote care continues to rise, RPM adoption is expected to increase further post-pandemic. We project that there will be 70.6 million RPM users in the US by 2025, marking a 56.5% increase from 2022. Within three years, more than one-quarter of the US population will regularly use devices that remotely track or collect their well-being or medical data for assessment by their healthcare providers.
In addition to monitoring basic fitness levels, wearables like the Apple Watch are expanding their capabilities to serve as medical devices. Tech companies recognize the growing potential in the lucrative digital health market.