IoMT

The Internet of Things is already present in healthcare today. From diagnosis to the prescription of drugs or treatments. The collection and analysis of high-quality data, thanks to the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) allows completely new innovations in the field of digital health solutions while being able to keep the associated costs low.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Arguably the biggest technological leap in recent decades has been the development of electronic health records (EHRs). Whereas hospitals used to have multiple systems covering different functions, the electronic health record consolidated all functions into a single system.

Then there’s portal technology, which allows patients to take a more active role in their own health. Portals already allow users to access their medical records, download forms, and make appointments. New applications are also increasingly making it possible for „normal consumers“ to interpret their findings.

Hospitals have begun using smart beds that recognize a patient’s needs and adjust automatically without the need for a nurse to intervene.
But IoMT also allows healthcare providers to expand their reach beyond the traditional clinical setting. Home monitoring systems monitor health status with networked devices equipped with IoT sensors. These provide a continuous stream of real-time health data. Add to that more and more data from wearables (such as the Apple Watch) that provide more and more medically relevant information alongside fitness data, as technology companies see a growing opportunity in the lucrative digital health market.

The Covid 19 pandemic led to an explosion in telemedicine. Physicians connected with patients via video conferencing and used remote monitoring to avoid in-person doctor visits.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE HEALTH INDUSTRY

The Internet of (medical) Things has the potential to transform the entire healthcare system. The number of connected medical devices is expected to grow from 10 billion to 50 billion over the next decade. These connected devices will continuously generate data ready for analysis in the cloud, enabling operators to implement automated solutions for patient monitoring and healthcare delivery.

A key driver of development will be the increasing proportion of older people (>65) in the overall population. IoMT will enable continuous monitoring of the health status of elderly people living alone.

Smart healthcare using the Internet of (Medical) Things (IoMT) still seems like a science fiction fantasy today: ingestible IoT sensors. Due to their microscopic size, they can enter the stomach with the pills, dissolve and send a signal to the sensor on the body with information about the medication needed for the patient and its dosage.

Post-pandemic virtual care will have greater acceptance by physicians and patients, and many office visits for routine exams and feedback can be eliminated.

Greater patient comfort and convenience all around. On the other hand, as with all data accumulation, there is a risk that this sensitive personal data (medical history, medications, allergies, personal statistics,…) will be misused.

MICROTRENDS

HEALTH CARE ORIGINALS

healthcareoriginals.com

ADAMM (Automated Device for Asthma Monitoring and Management), a wearable asthma monitor, can detect the symptoms of an asthma attack in advance so that the owner can take preventive measures in time. A vibration signal and SMS message warning of a threat. Among other functions, the device has a tracker for inhalation.

ELFI-TECH

elfi-tech.com

A monitoring system with self-testing options allows patients to check their blood, urine, etc. as needed and helps them stay within the therapeutic range. Test results are immediately available on the device or/and in the patient application connected to the tester. The mDLS device from Israeli start-up Elfi-Tech non-invasively measures blood flow in the skin, blood velocity, blood clotting, vascular health, and relative cardiac output (RCO) in addition to existing parameters such as pulse and exercise. The sensor enables continuous measurement of the waveform of blood flow at different locations on the body.

MEDANGEL

medangel.co

Dutch company MedAngel is helping people who use temperature-sensitive medications. The company is developing an app that, together with a small sensor, allows users to easily monitor the temperature of medicines using their smartphone. The solution also covers the last mile of cold chain management and increases the safety of medicines.

INPEN

medtronicdiabetes.com

Smart injection pens are able to automatically record the time and amount of the injected dose and immediately recommend the next dose. The devices interact with a smartphone app that stores long-term data to help patients calculate their medication dose and generate analytical reports. Companion Medical’s U.S.-based InPen combines a diabetes management app with a Bluetooth-enabled injection pen to simplify the ongoing tracking, monitoring, and calculation required for insulin therapy.

MEDICSEN

medicsen.com

Medicsen, an innovative start-up company from Spain, delighted more than 8,500 visitors to the 6th MEDICA CONNECTED HEALTHCARE FORUM last year with a needle-free and wearable medication delivery device that reduces pain and uncertainty. Automated medication delivery systems, which consist of a wirelessly connected implanted medical device and an external medication delivery device, offer several benefits for people who rely on medical assistance. By monitoring a person’s vital signs and automatically adjusting the amount of medication to be administered, medication delivery systems help patients stay within a safe range and avoid extreme situations.