As latest technology trends continue to sweep the global healthcare industry, we are witnessing medical device providers offering a range of innovative solutions to improve the quality of patient care.

From physical devices to smart systems powering those devices, new technological advances are helping doctors and patients connect in new ways, transmit vital data in real time, and identify and treat life-threatening events faster than ever before.

The vision of “anywhere, anytime healthcare” is changing consumer expectations and fueling the next wave of innovation growth. In today’s smartphone age, more and more consumers are getting comfortable with the idea of video consultations with their physician, remote monitoring via health apps, and using personalized diagnostic tools in smartphones as a ready reckoner.

Here, we highlight three technology trends that have great implications for the future of healthcare.

 Internet of Things

We’ve heard about IoT implementation in medical devices, but mostly in the diagnostics area. However, IoT devices are also managing the sudden rush to user-centric environments for growing application in self-monitoring, rather than being available in hospitals and offices alone. This goes hand-in-hand with the concept of tele-healthcare with devices ranging from wearables to talking devices and wireless monitoring services.

One example of at-home, wireless monitoring devices is the glucometer connected to an auto inject insulin pump, a pocket-sized meter that wirelessly connects to the phone and pump to regulate delivery of rapid- or short-acting insulin 24 hours a day through a catheter placed under the skin.

 IoT Patient Benefits

The main benefit of IoT for patients is convenience and quick access to vital information to avoid emergency situations (the time to conduct vitals at home vs. finding the time to go to a doctor). People are more willing and likely to take control of and monitor their health if they feel it is easy, convenient and fits into their busy schedules. It’s simply human nature.

 IoT Provider Benefits

Patients are not the only ones to benefit from the use of IoT devices in healthcare. Providers are also seeing the bright side of this technology:

• Real-time, remote monitoring of patient health
• Faster response times
• Less overcrowding in hospitals/space freed for the critically ill
• Providers able to see more patients each day

Connected healthcare devices will prove very critical in disease management. As technology advances and price points drop, developing nations are going to be the most to benefit from smart devices.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is certainly getting smarter and mature by gaining more widespread traction. As we get more connected and on-the-go than ever before, virtual doctor’s appointments sound like a practical solution. According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, up to 7 million patients will be using telehealth services by 2018.

According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, up to 7 million patients will be using telehealth services by 2018.

One of the important benefits of telemedicine is immediate remote access to medication in life-threatening situations. For example, a drug dispensing solution with audio-video conferencing capabilities. Just imagine if you or any person around you suddenly encounter an allergic reaction at a public place and requires a doctor prescribed medication. How about a drug dispensing solution which can connect you to a doctor through video-conferencing for remote diagnosis and drug prescription.

Robotics/artificial intelligence

According to the Mayo Clinic, robotic surgeries “allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with conventional techniques.” The minimally invasive nature of robot-assisted surgery is a key benefit.

Artificial intelligence-based coaching systems have demonstrated results in complex treatment areas, such as joint replacement, behavioral health, and spinal surgery, and AI technology shows enough promise in advancing treatment and demonstrable outcomes across a range of conditions. Expect data-oriented strategic partnerships and joint ventures to continue their prominence in 2016, with industry leaders redefining their approach to business development and partnerships to sustain competitive advantage in an outcomes-driven new health economy.

eInfochips has hands-on engineering experience in FDA Class 2 and Class 3 devices which help in monitoring, diagnostics, analysis, imaging, wearable health and telemedicine for medical applications. Our team has led medical products from concept and architecture definition to prototyping, field trials, certification and sustenance engineering. We have also provided solutions for mobility enablement for medical devices and clinical software, integrating them securely with the cloud infrastructure for remote diagnosis and ease of access. Write to us at marketing@einfochips.com for more details.