You might have heard the phrase “internet of things’ (the IoT) prior to. It refers to a set of connected devices on the internet that collect and transmit data via wireless networks.
As the IoT is rapidly evolving in many areas, from robots to drones to driverless vehicles It’s growing into the healthcare sector with increasing numbers of IoT-connected medical devices anticipated to reach 50 billion over the next decade..
The range of devices that are able to collect and transmit patient information continues to grow. Below, we take an in-depth look at six major IoT healthcare technologies to keep an eye at in the year 2022.
Remote patient monitoring
Remote monitoring of patients is one of the major trends which is predicted to lead this IoT healthcare market by 2022. This is the process of using an IoT-connected device for healthcare to gather medical information while patients aren’t at an establishment for healthcare. The device securely transmits the information to a software program that healthcare professionals can look over the data. Algorithms can also be employed to analyze the data and suggest treatments. For instance the remote monitors for heart rates can be used to continuously measure and monitor the heart rate of patients. These devices are now being included in workout watches or smart watch models, allowing you to keep track of your heart rate when working out or at rest.
Monitoring of hand hygiene
The importance of maintaining good hygiene at home and handwashing has been incorporated as one of the most important methods to safeguard yourself and others from the COVID-19 epidemic. Hand hygiene monitoring systems are used at hospitals in order to alert patients and staff to wash their hands. A new hand Washing feature was recently introduced in the Apple Watch. Apple Watch. This will set a timer of 20 seconds as you begin washing your hands, making sure you’re doing it for the appropriate length of time.
Connected insulin pen
Another new technology that is expected to enter in the IoT healthcare market by 2022 are connected insulin pens. They track and measure what amount of insulin that is injected into the bloodstream of a user and then transmit the information to the smartphone used by the user. It can assist patients suffering from diabetes track the levels of their blood sugar and also alert users of missed doses of their insulin. The company that makes healthcare technology Medtronic has recently launched an InPen that is a smart insulin device, with additional insulin-based devices that are smart scheduled to come out in the coming years.
Also Read: Remittances from IT exports reach all-time high
Smart inhalers
Smart inhalers are another IoT technology that is being rolled out in greater detail this year. They are equipped with a sensor which keeps track of the date and time of use, and then sends the alert on your smartphone. This can be useful in keeping track of the frequency of use for your inhaler and also reminding users of the need for medication. Inhalers with smart technology are also able to tell if you’re living in an area with high levels of pollution which makes it easier to manage and treat symptoms. However, they’re still in the process of being tested clinically and aren’t yet accessible from pharmacies or doctors.
Smart contact lenses
Another IoT device in the process of research is intelligent contact lenses. They look just like regular contact lenses, but they have the use of an electronic network that senses and tracks temperature, light and glucose levels behind the eyelids. They can send an alert to the smartphone of the user when their blood glucose or glucose pressure levels are excessively high. Although the smart lenses already aiding doctors keep track of patients suffering from heart and diabetes and heart disease, they may soon aid in managing eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts.
Pills digital
The final IoT breakthrough that will rapidly develop by 2022 will be smart pills. They are tiny electronic devices, shaped like paracetamol, which contain ingestion-able sensors. After swallowing, they are transported to the stomach , where they keep track of vital bodily functions, such as body temperature and blood pressure prior to transmitting the data to the smartphone of the user through Bluetooth or mobile apps. Although the initial smart pill was approved for general use in the year 2017 by researchers, they are creating devices with sensors that can detect diseases when taken.