IOT for Biomedical Applications
Introduction to the topic:
As the Internet of Things (IoT) has created a massive amount of buzz, excitement, and confusion. Some call it more important than the Internet while others say it’s a hoax or a fad. So what is IoT, where did it come from, where’s it going, and why does it matter? And how important it is in the field of Biology and Medicine.
What is IoT?
The basic definition of IoT goes as, “The Internet of things describes physical objects that are embedded with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks.”
So, In short, if an object can be connected to the internet, and it’s not a computer or a mobile device, then it’s a qualifying “thing” which can be used for the Internet of Things. These “things” include wearables, mechanical and digital machines, even animals. In short, to be an IoT device, an object must have two parts:
- The object itself
- A connection to the Internet
However, Simply connecting an object to the Internet doesn’t necessarily increase its utility, so manufacturers generally add in one or both of the following:
- Sensors: which take the information about the object or its surroundings.
- Actuators: which implement a physical action in the world.
So, for a simple object which has an internet connection, to be used for IoT purposes, it must have at least one sensor or an actuator to gain benefit from the connection.
Why is Now the Time for IoT for Biomedical Applications?
India is developing hundreds of green-field and brown-field smart cities, which are planned to have a centralised structure known as ABCD Building, which can manage all the requirements of the city and for doing this, the main technology being used is IoT.
Even Today, many hospital chains like Apollo, Fortis use IoT for Biomedical applications.
Since IoT sensors are already inexpensive and only becoming cheaper, many see IoT as computing’s next big step.
South Korea’s new “smart city” has made heavy investment in IoT and developments in IoT healthcare are forecasted to avoid 50,000 preventable deaths annually in only one small area of “hospital mistakes”.
How IoT is being used in Biomedical Industries
Internet of Things (IoT) based biomedical applications are deployed in biomedical systems such as healthcare/tele-care, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, monitoring. Wireless body area networks (WBANs) and radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, also called as enabling technologies, are key components of the IoT concept.
Electronics have become an essential part of biomedicine. The urge for real-time health monitoring and disease detection at an early stage has created a rapid growth of the market for smart sensors. Biosensors have investigated the prospects of point of care (POC) applications for better management of healthcare, and efforts are being made to make these more efficient. Integrating with micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) technology has enabled biosensors to be automated and more precise, with higher accuracy data sensing systems. The application of biosensors with POC has increased research related to nanotechnology, advanced functional sensing materials, miniaturised sensing system development, AI, and the internet of things (IoT).
Health and biomedical applications of IoT are important areas of research. The hospital management system, remote patient monitoring, medical waste management, robotic nursing assistant, cancer detection by body scanning, Parkinson patient monitoring, dementia patient monitoring by GPS smart soles, depression monitoring by smartwatches, glucose monitoring, efficient drug management, and hand hygiene monitoring are some of the applications of IoT. Integrated devices like connected contact lenses, integrated hearing aids, connected inhalers, ingestible sensors, and intelligent pills make way for integrated biomedical applications. Technical aspects like interoperability across all devices, platforms, and technologies, the data security, privacy issues, and associated laws make it a complete study.
Health monitoring systems provide a better perception of the patient’s condition, allowing doctors to make the correct diagnosis in real time and enhance curative procedure. IoT integrated with machine learning and artificial intelligence plays a vital role here.
Examples of IOT in action in healthcare
- For Chronic Disease Management:
Location: Brooklyn, New York
How it’s using IoT in healthcare: QuiO is a cloud platform that wirelessly connects various therapeutic devices related to medications, activity and health for patients with chronic conditions. Tools for mobile and web allow healthcare providers and caregivers to see trends and more effectively respond to data. Users can also get personalised tips on dealing with conditions and have opportunities to anonymously participate in research studies.
Industry impact: In a partnership with SHL, QuiO created hardware and software to connect SHL’s drug delivery systems via its cloud-based ConnectedRX platform.
2. PFIZER/IBM
Location: New York and Armonk, New York
How it’s using IoT in healthcare: This Pfizer and IBM partnership uses IoT technology to track the effectiveness of Parkinson’s drugs and make any necessary dosage adjustments in real time while enhancing doctor-patient communication.
Industry impact: Pfizer’s and IBM’s tech-enabled “Parkinson’s house” is equipped with sensors — on everything from the fridge handles and cupboards to doors and beds — that detect even the smallest variation in a patient’s movements. The collected data is wirelessly beamed to scientists, who in turn analyse the patient’s progress and medication responsiveness.
3. IoT for Remote Care and Monitoring
Location: Morris Plains, New Jersey
How it’s using IoT in healthcare: Honeywell’s Genesis Touch keeps patients connected with remotely located care providers that receive transmitted biometrics data via a patient dashboard. The GT can also host video visits, give multiple providers access to a patient’s vital statistics and be integrated with an oximeter, blood pressure monitor and precision health scale.
Industry impact: The global remote patient services monitoring market, of which the Genesis Touch is a part, is slated to expand through 2025.
4. IoT for Smart Sleep
Location: New York, New York
How it’s using IoT in healthcare: Eight pairs a comfortable mattress with a sleep- and environment-sensing app that analyzes the data it collects and then sends that data to your smartphone so you can determine your ideal sleep temperature. The app can also integrate with smart lights and door locks.
Industry impact: Eight’s new Sleep Coach app feature syncs with the company’s Smart Mattress and can integrate with Amazon’s Alexa.
5. IoT for Medication Refills
Location: New York, New York
How it’s using IoT in healthcare: Patients receive a free AdhereTech smart pill bottle with their specialty medication that’s used just like a normal bottle and issues reminders for missed doses via text or phone. It also facilitates personalised support for medication refills and health issues.
Industry impact: According to a recent report from Avella specialty pharmacy, which uses AdhereTech’s smart bottles for five medications from four companies, over the last few years AdhereTech has improved duration on therapy by 26 percent, fill rates by 9 percent, and dose-level adherence by 15 percent. On average, the report stated, the AdhereTech program generates one to two additional fills of specialty medications per patient per year.
6. IoT to Streamline Hospice Care
Location: New York, New York
How it’s using IoT in healthcare: G.E. ‘s AutoBed platform can monitor up to 1200 beds, process 80 bed requests at a time and keep track of other patient requirements like nurse proximity.
Industry impact: Hospitals say that AutoBed has helped them reduce emergency-room wait times by as much as 50 percent.
Conclusion
IoT for Biomedical applications is not just future but a need of our healthcare industry to increase its efficiency and try to save lives which get lost due to mismanagement.
The market for IoT medical devices is expected to reach $94.2 billion by 2026, up from $26.5 billion in 2021, according to Markets and Markets research.
This research shows us the future that IoT for Biomedical Applications is a reality.
References
[1] Faruk Aktaş, Celal Çeken, Yunus Emre Erdemli, Paper on “IoT-Based Healthcare Framework for Biomedical Applications”
[2] Brijendra Singh, Paper on “A review on internet of things and its applications in healthcare”
[3] Pratik Ghosh, Sourav Das, Rajesh Kumbhakar, Rohit Yadav, Shubham Saxena, Raushan Kumar, Nirmal Kumar Rout, Paper on “E-health monitoring system”
[4] Monika Parmar, HarsimranJit Kaur, Paper on “Impact of IoT in biomedical applications: Part I”
