The internet of things (IoT) has led to digitalization of clinical workplaces, introducing automation and cloud into the medical sector.
FREMONT, CA – In the early nineties, several organizations blazed the trail toward modernization by adopting data and transaction automation strategies. It was during this time that the healthcare sector established the use of electronic health records (EHR), migrating their processes from papers to computers. As per the survey of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the use of EHR by physicians has witnessed a rise from 24 percent in the year 2005 to almost 87 percent in the year 2015.
The Internet of Things (IoT) Integration
The internet of things has transformed the way of living, sparking innovations across the healthcare sector. It has led to the introduction of medical devices which can potentially transform patient treatment. The IoT platforms and solutions have facilitated enhanced insights into patient health, physical performance, and vital sight monitoring directly from their home.
However, the effective functioning of IoT device networks requires continuous monitoring and analysis of the connected hardware and software. The development of hyperconverged infrastructures will allow the organizations to implement IoT solutions seamlessly. Also, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning technology in the IoT network can significantly augment the delivery of healthcare services.
Digital Workplace Adoption
The increased benefits in terms of productivity and mobility have intensified the demand for the digitalization of clinical workplaces. It has enabled efficient patient monitoring via mobile devices and wearables. The practical implementation of digital workplaces has increased productivity as well as convenience. The reliability and functionality have ensured user satisfaction, leading to workforce retention.
Cloud Implementation
The worldwide implementation of IoT networks will likely increase cloud adoption across the healthcare sector. Several healthcare organizations are already investing in core applications on the cloud to enable flexibility as well as ease of use. It will allow accessibility as well as transferability of patient EMRs among healthcare providers, community partners, and consumers. The security concerns have offered several obstacles; however, once they are addressed, cloud adoption is likely to witness a rise.
Security Framework Incorporation
The digitalization of healthcare will make it imperative for organizations to incorporate adequate security measures to protect the network and secure patient data. The security features need to be innate in the digital frameworks to accommodate access to critical applications, health care information, and so on. In this regard, micro-segmentation and blockchain technology will likely play a significant role.
