The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new way of connecting physical devices, like appliances, vehicles and other objects, to a network. These devices have sensors, software and connectivity that allow them to collect and share data. The IoT is a big change in technology, and it’s important because it means that devices can communicate with each other and share information.
IoT has become a necessity within the healthcare industry, revolutionizing traditional patient care and healthcare management methods. From wearable devices that monitor vital signs to sophisticated systems that streamline hospital operations, IoT has paved the way for a new era in healthcare. Its transformative impact has enabled healthcare providers to deliver better care more efficiently.
According to a report by Statista, the Internet of Things (IoT) market in Australia is expected to generate a revenue of about AUD 15.46 billion in 2023. The healthcare sector is one of the key drivers of the IoT market in Australia. The Internet of Things healthcare market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.21% between 2023 and 2028, reaching AUD 3.24 billion by 2028. This IoT healthcare market size growth is being driven by the increasing demand for remote patient monitoring, smart wearables, and other IoT healthcare solutions.
Adoption of Internet of Things in Healthcare in Australia
In Australia, hospitals and clinics are starting to use IoT technologies to improve patient care and make their operations more efficient. IoT Healthcare companies make wearables, sensors, and smart devices that can track a patient’s health in real-time. This helps doctors and nurses manage chronic conditions better.
The Australian government is helping to support IoT adoption through the Medical Research Future Fund and the Australian Digital Health Agency. Ongoing technological advancements, such as 5G and AI, make IoT for healthcare even more important because they improve the ability to transmit and analyze data.
As Australia’s population ages and more people develop chronic diseases, IoT in healthcare has the potential to provide personalized care, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. The Australian government is committed to digital transformation in the healthcare sector, which will support the growth of IoT in healthcare.
Impact of COVID-19 on IoT Adoption in Healthcare
Covid 19 transformed our lives, and the same thing happened in the healthcare business. With IoT in medical field, it helped us in many ways.
Increased Need for Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring using IoT solutions has become more important due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearables and sensors provide up-to-the-minute data to healthcare providers so they can monitor patients who have prolonged illnesses from a distance. The Internet of Healthcare Things ensures that patients receive timely care and attention.
Demand for IoT-enabled Medical Devices
With the pandemic, people were looking to find something to help them maintain their fitness and health. IoT-based healthcare devices like smart pill bottles, wearable and others improve patient care and reduce hospital admission.
Decreased Need for In-person Visits
IoT solutions minimize in-person visits significantly, which helps in COVID-19 risk reduction and preserving resources. Rural services, such as video consultations and continuous health monitoring, benefit high-risk patients and those living in remote locations, establishing a significant change in IoT healthcare service delivery.
Data Management and Analysis
Healthcare providers are investing in analytics platforms to manage and analyze the increasing amount of data generated by IoT medical devices. This helps identify patterns, trends, and health risks to provide personalized care, predict outcomes, and make informed decisions about resource allocation.
Use of IoT in Medical Research
IoT technology helps speed up medical research by collecting information on patients and enhancing studies on the effectiveness of treatments, illness risk factors, and customized medicine. This application provides the possibility of improvements in avoiding illnesses, diagnosis, and treatment, showcasing the Internet of Things’ transformational influence on healthcare procedures.
How Can IoT Benefit the Healthcare Industry in Australia?
Healthcare is all about gathering the right data and providing the correct services to the patients. It can enhance these practices and offer much importance of IoT in healthcare.
Improved Patient Outcomes
Healthcare can be improved with the help of the Internet of healthcare things applications. By collecting immediate data on patient health and detecting early signs of health issues, healthcare providers can intervene quickly and improve patient outcomes. This can lead to reduced hospital readmissions and better treatment results. For example, wearable devices can monitor vital signs and detect early signs of deterioration, which can help healthcare providers intervene before a patient’s condition worsens.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Productivity
IoT for healthcare can enhance operational efficiency and productivity in healthcare settings by automating tasks, streamlining workflows, and optimizing resource allocation. For example, IoT-enabled bed sensors can alert staff when a patient is at risk of falling, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of injury. Also, IoT healthcare systems can track the location of medical equipment and supplies, saving time and resources.
Cost-Effective Health Care Delivery
IoT can contribute to cost-effective healthcare delivery by reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, minimizing medication errors, and optimizing resource utilization. For instance, remote patient monitoring can prevent avoidable hospitalizations by allowing healthcare providers to monitor patients at home, intervene early, and prevent complications. With IoT devices in healthcare like medication dispensers can reduce medication errors and improve patient adherence, leading to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
Increased Patient Engagement and Empowerment
Healthcare IoT applications can help patients become more involved and empowered by providing them with current health data. This allows patients to make informed decisions about their care. For instance, IoT-enabled wearable devices can track patients’ physical activity levels along with sleep patterns and other health indicators. This allows patients to monitor their progress and make lifestyle changes accordingly. Moreover, IoT-based communication platforms can connect patients with healthcare providers, improving communication and collaboration.
Improved Safety and Reduced Risks
In healthcare settings, IoT technology can help improve safety and reduce risks by continuously monitoring patients and their surroundings. This allows staff to react quickly to potential hazards and intervene before incidents happen. For instance, IoT sensors can detect environmental dangers such as gas leaks or temperature changes, enabling staff to take corrective measures promptly. IoT-based fall detection systems can alert staff when a patient is at risk of falling, allowing them to take action quickly and minimize the chance of injury.
Enhanced Decision Making and Predictive Analytics
IoT can be used in healthcare to provide valuable data for informed decision-making and predictive analytics. The data generated by IoT devices can help identify patterns, trends, and potential health risks in patient populations. This information can be used to predict health outcomes, allocate resources effectively, and develop personalized treatment plans. Like this IoT healthcare example, machine learning algorithms can analyze patient data to identify individuals at high risk of developing certain conditions. This allows for early intervention and prevention.
IoT in Healthcare Use Cases
The Internet of things offers a wide range of features and functionalities which we can take advantage of in healthcare sectors. Here are some of the healthcare use case examples.
Patient Monitoring
Patient monitoring is one of the most common and effective applications of IoT in healthcare. IoT devices can collect simultaneous data on patient vitals, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, and transmit this data to healthcare providers remotely. This allows providers to monitor patients continuously, even when they are not in a hospital or clinic. This can be especially beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, who require regular monitoring.
Medication Management
IoT healthcare devices can also be used to improve medication management. This includes devices that track when patients take their medications, as well as devices that dispense medications automatically. This can help ensure that patients are taking their medications correctly and on time, improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of adverse events.
Remote Patient Care
Remote patient care is another important application of IoT in healthcare. IoT devices can be used to provide care to patients in their homes or other remote settings. This can be especially beneficial for patients who live in rural areas or who have difficulty travelling to a hospital or clinic. Remote patient care can include virtual consultations with healthcare providers, monitoring of patient vitals, and delivery of medications.
Chronic Disease Management
IoT can be used to improve the management of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. Healthcare IoT devices can collect data on patient health and habits, and this data can be used to provide personalized care plans and interventions. For example, wearable devices can track physical activity levels and sleep patterns, and this data can be used to help patients with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Smart Hospitals
Smart hospitals are hospitals that use IoT technology to improve efficiency, safety, and patient care. IoT devices can be used to track the location of patients and staff, as well as to monitor the condition of medical equipment and supplies. This can help to reduce the time it takes to find patients and equipment, and it can also help to prevent equipment malfunctions and safety hazards.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technology to provide healthcare services remotely. IoT devices can be used to enhance telemedicine services by providing data on patient health. This data can be used to provide more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans and can also help improve patient satisfaction.
IoT Healthcare Example
With the growing demand, companies are investing in IoT healthcare solutions. Here are some of the examples of IOT in healthcare that helping patients in Australia.
Monitoring Solutions
IoT healthcare relies on monitoring solutions that track patient health parameters in real-time. These solutions use devices and sensors to collect data on vital signs, activity levels, sleep patterns, and other critical metrics. One example is Zephyr Bioharness 3.0, a monitoring system that uses sensors to gather detailed information on heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and other vital signs. With these IoT devices examples, we can use it for data that is then sent wirelessly to a secure cloud platform, where healthcare providers can access it in real-time. This allows for continuous monitoring and early detection of potential health issues.
Smart Wearables
Smart wearables are an example of IoT devices that transformed personal health monitoring by providing an easy and non-invasive way to track various health metrics throughout the day. These devices, such as the Apple Watch Series, are becoming more advanced, incorporating sensors and algorithms to track heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns, and even electrocardiogram (ECG) readings. This data can be viewed directly on the wearable device or synced with a smartphone app for further analysis. Smart wearables are particularly helpful for those with chronic conditions and serve as a useful IoT in healthcare examples, as they allow for proactive management of health and identification of potential problems early on.
Smart Beds
Smart beds are transforming hospital rooms by providing enhanced patient monitoring and safety features. For example, the Hillrom Centrella Smart Bed includes sensors that continuously monitor patient vital signs, movement patterns, and pressure distribution. This information is analyzed to detect signs of deterioration early, such as changes in heart rate or respiration, and alert nurses to potential complications. Monitoring IoT devices like smart beds can also prevent falls by adjusting their position and providing support when patients attempt to get out of bed.
Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants have emerged as valuable tools for improving patient engagement and communication. Devices like the Amazon Echo Show can answer patient queries, provide medication reminders, connect with healthcare providers through video calls, and even play soothing music or audiobooks to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Virtual assistants can also be used to collect patient-reported outcomes, providing valuable insights into their overall well-being and satisfaction with care.
Smart Sensors
Smart sensors are expanding the scope of IoT healthcare by providing continuous monitoring of various environmental factors and patient conditions. Smart devices in healthcare, like the Zio Patch, a small adhesive patch worn on the chest, utilize advanced sensors to monitor heart rate, respiration, and activity levels, allowing for the detection of potential cardiac arrhythmias and sleep apnea. Similarly, smart sensors can be integrated into clothing, furniture, and other everyday objects to provide a seamless and unobtrusive way to collect health data.
IoT-enabled Medical Equipment
IoT-enabled medical equipment enhances patient care by providing real-time data and enabling remote monitoring. Devices like the Philips IntelliVue X3 portable monitor, commonly used in intensive care units, incorporate sensors and communication modules to collect vital sign data, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels. This data is transmitted wirelessly to a central monitoring system, where healthcare providers can access it remotely, allowing for continuous monitoring and rapid intervention in critical events.
The Future of IoT in Healthcare
The future of IoT healthcare in Australia is bright, with the potential to revolutionize patient care, improve outcomes, and reduce costs. Here are some of the key trends that are expected to shape the future of IoT in healthcare in Australia,
Increased Adoption of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
RPM is already being used extensively in Australia, and this trend is expected to continue as the technology becomes more affordable and reliable. RPM can help to reduce hospital readmissions, improve patient adherence to treatment plans, and provide early warning of potential health problems.
Development of More Personalized Care
IoT devices can collect vast amounts of data on patient health, which can be used to develop personalized care plans. This data can be analyzed to identify individual risk factors and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
Greater Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is being used to develop new IoT healthcare solutions, such as chatbots that can answer patient questions and provide support. AI is also being used to analyze patient data and identify patterns that can be used to predict health outcomes.
Integration of IoT with Other Healthcare Technologies
IoT is being integrated with other healthcare technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine platforms. This integration is making it easier for healthcare providers to access and share patient data, which is improving care coordination and communication.
Increased Use of IoT In-home Care
IoT is being increasingly used in-home care to provide remote monitoring and support for patients with chronic conditions. This is helping to keep patients out of the hospital and improve their quality of life.
Final Thoughts on IoT in Healthcare throughout Australia
The use of the Internet of Things in healthcare is opening new possibilities. IoT can help improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency by providing real-time data insights. As the demand for decentralized and personalized healthcare solutions continues to increase, IoT is becoming a critical enabler. Australia is leading the way in leveraging IoT’s potential to enhance medical practices, advance research, and ultimately improve the overall quality of healthcare delivery. With ongoing government support, technological advancements, and a commitment to digital transformation, IoT is transforming healthcare for the better.
Why Choose Vrinsoft Pty Ltd to Develop IoT Healthcare Application?
We are a leading IoT development company in Australia with a demonstrated history of successful app launches for various industries. We have seasoned developers with in-depth knowledge of IoT healthcare software and app development. Consult with us today to learn about how we can help you implement IoT in healthcare devices to help patients across Australia.
FAQ on IoT and Healthcare
How is IoT used in health?
The Internet of things is still evolving but we can take advantage of this for healthcare. We can use IoT for healthcare by providing remote patients care, monitoring, medication and more. With IoT healthcare devices, we can keep a tab on patients from rural or remote areas with various smart sensors and devices.
What is the major impact of IoT on healthcare?
IoT is making healthcare more efficient, patient centric and cost effective. With continuous monitoring and access to real time data, doctors can make the right decision to help prevent numerous issues.
How can IoT improve patient care?
IoT can improve patient outcomes by providing real-time data on patient health, enabling early detection of health issues, and facilitating timely interventions. With various smart devices, doctors can keep a tab on patient’s vital signs and adjust medication based on the data. This will reduce readmission to the hospitals and prevent major health issues.
What is the future of IoT in healthcare?
With 5G connectivity, soon we will see widespread adaptation of IoT in healthcare. With video conferencing and telemedicine patients can access expert doctors from remote areas. Especially in Australia, where most people live far away from any hospitals, IoT will help bridge the gap for them.
