10 Internet Of Things (IOT) Healthcare Examples, And Why Their Security Matters

Research has found that nearly everything in our homes can be connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), including our HVAC system, refrigerators, televisions, and even our washing machines and dryers. But it’s not just devices inside our homes that are being connected to the IoT; it’s also medical devices used by doctors and patients in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

1) The Internet of Medical Things

The Internet of Medical Things—or IOMT —is growing in value and scope rapidly. This growth may seem surprising, given that it's less than a decade since medical device manufacturers first started to connect their products to networks. But devices are proliferating quickly because they deliver real benefits: reduced costs, improved patient safety and greater efficiencies in terms of diagnosis and monitoring. And new companies—of which there were more than 300 per year between 2013 and 2015—are racing to develop new devices even faster. These vendors use cloud technology so that every newly connected device gives them access to additional data points for analysis as well as opportunities for monetization such as remote servicing or expanded features.

2) A Brief History Of The IOMT

The Internet of Medical Things is a recent invention. In fact, it only really began to take shape around 10 years ago. This is why some experts sometimes call it a nascent industry. It all started when medical researchers figured out how to connect physical medical devices to electronic medical records via WiFi or Bluetooth. Since then developers have found many new ways to use technology to improve healthcare. From connected pacemakers and infusion pumps that can be controlled remotely by healthcare providers to artificial pancreas systems designed to help diabetics manage their glucose levels; these are just a few examples of what's possible using IOMT technology in healthcare today—and there are plenty more on the horizon. Which is exactly why securing these systems properly is so important.

3) Smart Assistive Devices

With today’s technology and convenience-obsessed consumers looking for devices that can do it all, many manufacturers are jumping on board. For example, if you’re in a rush getting ready for work and you need to check your blood pressure or have a seizure – All it takes is a quick blood drop from your finger on to an app-connected device called Senor Net; with just one touch it records your vitals. While there are no confirmed healthcare examples of any major issues yet – security experts urge caution because these smart devices are similar to computers and they store information like their location or user habits. Because consumers want their tech quickly – they tend to take short cuts and not read manuals which could give them valuable information about how to protect themselves.

4) Virtual Assistant Health Records

Health records are notoriously difficult to keep up-to-date. It’s not uncommon for a patient to go from one doctor visit to another and get asked questions like how much do you weigh? or have you ever had a heart attack? Many patients don’t know that their weight is supposed to be entered into their health record, or they forget which medication they take. With virtual assistant health records , an artificially intelligent software can track your medical history and remind your doctor of any missing data at each appointment. This data can even sync automatically with any relevant devices you have—be it an artificial pancreas or smart insulin monitor. Such devices will also sync with your health record to create a comprehensive view of your overall medical state.

5) Health Monitoring Apps

There are many apps designed to help you monitor your health, both inside and outside of a healthcare setting. The Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor is one example of an iomt designed to help keep tabs on important metrics like blood pressure. Other examples include Fitbit devices and iHealth blood glucose monitors—both available at popular retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. By keeping track of important data like blood pressure at home, patients can make sure they're able to get in for regular visits with their healthcare provider if there's an issue. It also provides a baseline for comparison over time so doctors can quickly catch potential problems early on if these numbers start spiking for no apparent reason.

6) Wearable Technology

Wearable devices are among of my favorite internet of things health care examples. For example, take a look at Lumo Lift. This wristband tracks your posture by using motion sensors to collect movement data in real time. The band vibrates to remind you to correct your posture while sitting or standing up straight. It could lead to a reduction in back pain and improve overall productivity at work and home.

7) Automated Hospital Services

In 2014, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco spent approximately $6.5 million on a new robotic surgery system to increase staff efficiency and reduce costs. This advanced system can decrease recovery time for patients who have undergone prostate removal surgery by an average of four days. It can also carry out hysterectomies at a lower cost and with greater precision than traditional methods. The University of California San Francisco partnered with Philips and GE in order to monitor patients’ conditions throughout procedures that use minimally invasive techniques.

8) Smart Homes For Seniors

This is one of my favorite internet of things healthcare examples. The device is a smart mirror that seniors can use to see and talk with friends and family. This device helps seniors stay connected from their homes so they don’t have to leave if they don’t want to or need to. However, security issues can arise because hackers can gain access to these smart devices and give unauthorized parties access too. If your loved one uses a smart home system make sure it is secure!

9) Home Health Services

Home health care is a growing field within healthcare. Home health services include help with activities of daily living as well as personal and emotional support to help people remain in their homes rather than being placed in a care facility. Some home health aides may also be qualified to give medications and administer injections. While some home health aides are trained medical professionals, many others hold an associate's degree or certificate from an accredited training program. To get hired for a position as a home health aide in most states requires completion of state-mandated training. Most employers prefer those who are CPR-certified and undergo background checks before being hired.

10)...And Security

As more and more people discover that IoT d

evices can help improve their healthcare—we’re increasingly becoming aware of potential security issues. To help you make sense of what I see as a very confusing landscape —I’ve listed 10 healthcare examples from three categories; diagnostic testing and wearable, in-home and at-the-office monitoring for care management. The takeaway: There are a lot of smart sensors being developed that can help patients manage their health with real-time analytics—but it will be some time before we fully understand how to address security concerns that might arise. For now I recommend that if you're thinking about buying an IoT medical device to be sure to ask your physician how it's secured before making a purchase.