Emerging Technologies for Healthcare. Группа авторов
1.5.1 Privacy and Data Security
Data security and privacy are the most crucial challenges of IoT devices. As huge amount of data is generated through the connected devices, it is highly susceptible to cybercrimes. Without proper data security and protocols, personal data of patients as well as doctors can be hacked and misused. Fake IDs may be created by cyber criminals which can be used for fake insurance claims and businesses.
1.5.2 Multiple Devices and Protocols Integration
Various devices of different manufacturers must be interconnected for the implementation of IoT. As there are no standardized communication protocols to be followed by the manufacturers, integration of multiple protocols becomes difficult and it will hinder the operation of these devices. Also, the system may become more complicated. This may result in an inefficient system if standardized communication protocols are not in place.
1.5.3 Huge Data and Accuracy
A huge amount of data is generated by the IoT devices. As the number of devices increases, the data generated also will increase. If huge amount of data is generated, it will be difficult for the doctors to analyse the data and take proper decisions which, in turn, may affect the accuracy.
1.5.4 Underdeveloped
Even though the use of IoT devices in health sector is increasing day by day, still the development is not up to the mark. It is still in development stage only. It has to progress in a faster pace for better results.
1.5.5 Updating the Software Regularly
With the implementation of hardware for IoT devices, software also becomes part of the system. It has to be regularly updated for better performance and added security features. Regularly monitoring and updating the software is required which may not be possible easy at times.
1.5.6 Global Healthcare Regulations
For every new technology implementation, proper approval from healthcare regulating bodies is required. But formulations of new regulations are not done very frequently and is a time-consuming process which may cause difficulty in implementation of new technologies and innovations.
1.5.7 Cost
The cost of healthcare facilities in developed countries is high compared to the developing countries. With the use of IoT devices, cost is not reduced for using the healthcare facilities. It must be made cost effective then only it can benefit the common man.
1.6 Disadvantages of IoT
Disadvantages of IoT is discussed in this section.
1.6.1 Privacy
As IoT devices operates hugely on personal data, serious security issues can happen due to hacking which may result in data theft. So, there should be proper security and firewalls in place which may require additional expenses.
1.6.2 Access by Unauthorized Persons
As the real-time sensitive data is available in connected devices, the access to those data needs to be protected. Proper care should be taken to ensure that the data is accessed by authorized persons only. Unauthorized access may create data leaking and misuse of the data.
1.7 Applications of IoT
Various applications of IoT devices are discussed in this section.
1.7.1 Monitoring of Patients Remotely
Patient monitoring from remote locations is possible with the help of IoT devices. This reduces the number of cases of hospital admissions which, in turn, reduces the expenses. After a major illness or surgery, when the patients are discharged from the hospitals, doctors can keep track of the health of the patients and reduce re-admissions.
In rural areas where the healthcare facilities are poor, doctors can monitor the patients sitting at a remote location and can reduce the death rates.
The expenses incurred for traveling long distance for consultations, hospitalizations, etc., can be reduced. Even IoT devices can alert the healthcare professionals if the patients are not taking medicines regularly or taking wrong medications. With the continuous monitoring of the patients, health risks can be reduced drastically.
1.7.2 Management of Hospital Operations
Hospital operations involves management of various equipment and drugs. It is difficult to manage this equipment in an optimal way as the doctors are always busy with their patients. By means of IoT devices, management of equipment becomes much easier. As the equipment are regularly monitored, fault in that equipment can be easily detected and rectified. Also, IoT devices can alert the authorities about any outdated equipment which needs replacement.
Most of the time, it is difficult to track how many available equipment are for use and the exact location of the equipment. IoT devices keep track of the available equipment and their locations which helps the healthcare professional to locate the equipment quickly which can save many lives.
IoT devices also alert the hospital authorities about the cleanliness and hygiene of the surrounding environment which can lead to maintenance of a healthy environment which, in turn, prevent the spread of the diseases.
1.7.3 Monitoring of Glucose
Glucose monitoring on a daily basis is very essential nowadays due to the rise in life style diseases like diabetes. Diabetes is a high-risk disease which can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, etc. This life style disease is due to the abnormal functioning of the pancreas gland.
There may be variations in sugar level due to the abnormal functioning of the pancreas gland. These variations can lead to organ damages if not properly detected. Hence, continuous monitoring of the sugar level is essential for a healthy life style.
With the advancement in technology several wearable connected devices and sensors are available in the market which can monitor glucose levels on real-time basis and update it on the connected devices.
As the sugar levels are monitored on regular basis, any rise in sugar levels can be detected early and proper action can be taken at the right time before it affects the overall health.
Hence, by the use of IoT devices, many lives can be saved and also can save hospital expenses.
1.7.4 Sensor Connected Inhaler
Air pollution is increasing day by day due to the increase in the number of vehicles on road. Increase in air pollution leads to increase in lung diseases. One of the most common lung diseases which is on rise is asthma. These lung diseases are controlled by inhalers.
Usually, symptoms of an asthma attack appear few hours before the peak. If the sensor connected inhalers are used by the patients, then it can detect triggering factors and alert the patients as well as the doctors about the possibility of an asthma attack through IoT connected devices.
IoT devices not only can alert the patients about the possible asthma attacks but also can help doctors in instructing the patients when to stop inhalers there by optimizing the medication and reducing the expenses for medical bills.
1.7.5 Interoperability
Data collected through IoT devices is huge. These data play a major role in healthcare system as doctors can always look into the historical data of the patients.