Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled devices have made remote monitoring in the healthcare sector possible, unleashing the potential to keep patients safe and healthy, and empowering physicians to deliver superlative care. It has also increased patient engagement and satisfaction as interactions with doctors have become easier and more efficient. Furthermore, remote monitoring of patient’s health helps in reducing the length of hospital stay and prevents re-admissions. IoT also has a major impact on  reducing healthcare costs significantly and improving treatment outcomes.

Like all other industries and daily living, IoT is extending a great transformation in  the healthcare industry by redefining the utility of devices and people interaction in delivering healthcare solutions. IoT healthcare apps  benefit patients, families, physicians, hospitals and also insurance companies.

Having largely heard of smart homes, home automation systems, Smart healthcare refers to using mobile and electronic technology for better diagnosis of the disease,  improved treatment of the patients, and enhanced quality of lives.

Let's see how IoT is being of great help to medical industry.

IoT for patients -

- Remote patient monitoring or RTM.
This app makes life easier for the patients with chronic illnesses and those who need to visit the doctor pretty frequently, say diabetic or hypertensive patients. The patient just needs to carry the RTM device that automatically alerts the doctor about any health deterioration in his patient.

- Wearable IoT devices like fitness bands, blood pressure and heart rate monitoring cuffs, etc. not only the user’s daily activity but also collect data about taken steps, burnt calories, etc. They can track patients’ adherence to treatment plans or any need for immediate medical attention.

IoT for doctors -

IoT enables healthcare professionals to be more watchful and connect with the patients proactively. Data collected from RMT or wearable IoT devices can help physicians  
identify the best treatment process for patients and tackle any emergencies much better and within safe time.

IoT for hospitals -

IoT softwares developed for hospitals not only help  to manage the medical equipments but also the staff. IoT devices tagged with sensors are used for tracking real time  location of medical equipment like wheelchairs, defibrillators, nebulizers, oxygen pumps and other monitoring equipment.

This software helps in keeping a check on spread of infection t o different patients or staff and also monitor and update about hospital environment like checking refrigerator temperature, and humidity and temperature control within the premises etc. Different modules assist in equipment and pharmacy inventory management too to avoid any shortage of emergency medicine stock.

IoT for health insurance companies -

Utilizing the data captured through health monitoring devices for their underwriting and claims operations enables the insurance companies to detect fraud claims and identify prospects for underwriting.

IoT- captured data-driven decisions between insurers and customers will keep all the processing visible and transparent to the customers thus building a stronger trust  bond. This transparency and management reduces risks from both sides.

IoT solutions offers countless benefits if the healthcare sector, right from financials to safe detection in time, the major ones being -

- Reduced doctor visit expenses -

RMT and wearable gadgets enable medical employees to  monitor patients’ health in real-time mode. In such a case, the patient will need to  visit the doctor in times of actual need, hence reducing the costs of doctors visits. Connected home care facilities will also help reduce hospital stays and re-admissions.

- On time treatment yields better results -

Real time monitoring of patient's health conditions and utilities like cloud computing and medical devices connectivity allow doctors to analyze the symptoms faster and give timely treatment.

- Reduced errors -

IoT automated processes as data segmentation, data receiving, and data-driven decisions can reduce diagnosis mistakes. Inventory management reduces the shortage of emergency medicine stock hence enabling prompt patient care. The control process will become more accurate.

- Better updation means better disease control -

Being constantly updated with real time population health scenario, alerts the medical bodies about any upcoming medical possibilities that need attention. So, receiving new data every day, doctors can detect disease earlier on an individual as well as mass basis and start treatment faster.

- Remote Patient care through Telemedicine -

This technology has actually taken over the medical sector all over the globe. Through this module of IoT, it has become possible to consult specialists sitting miles away from you. Doctors are able to see their patients any time utilizing health monitoring system and connected with chat rooms and video calling facilities has made it much convincing for the patient too.

MegaSoftwares, is one of India's most professional software solutions company building custom healthcare softwares and IoT solutions as per client requirements to extend a helping hand in overall human health maintenance. IoT is indeed a revolution in medical industry.