Smart Hospitals: How Technology is Driving Change

This is a guest article and does not necessarily reflect the views and values of Impetus Digital. 

Smart hospitals are elevating patient care and revolutionizing hospital operations like never before. They are about refining processes, reducing human error, and delivering more accurate, personalized care. 

So, how about we get into these game-changing solutions and the benefits they can bring?

Key technologies driving change in hospitals

Several technologies are at the heart of the smart hospital revolution. The Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, and robotics are among these. Each one contributes distinctively towards streamlining and making the healthcare system more patient-centric.

For instance, IoT devices enable real-time patient monitoring and personalized care. AI assists with predictive analytics, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Telemedicine allows patients to consult doctors remotely for things like hair loss, while robotics aids in surgeries and routine tasks.

The Mayo Clinic in the USA and Singapore’s Changi General Hospital are perfect examples of how these technologies can revolutionize healthcare services.

Enhanced patient care through telemedicine and remote monitoring

Telemedicine, in particular, bridges gaps by providing healthcare services to patients, even in the most isolated locations. It allows consultations, follow-ups, and some aspects of patient care to occur virtually, which saves both time and resources.

Remote monitoring, facilitated by various devices and wearables, enables healthcare providers to track patient health effectively. This continuous monitoring can alert healthcare providers to issues before they become emergencies. The VA Telehealth Services in the USA is an excellent example of such technology in action.

Improved efficiency with artificial intelligence and data analytics

AI and data analytics are making hospital operations more efficient. AI-driven diagnostics and treatment planning help reduce errors and deliver personalized care. Meanwhile, data analytics can optimize hospital workflows, resource allocation, and patient scheduling.

Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, for example, uses an AI algorithm to predict patient admission rates and better manage bed allocation.

The Internet of Things for connected healthcare

The Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare presents a transformative avenue for patient care, data management, and operational efficiency. It consists of an expansive network of devices designed to collect, analyze, and transmit crucial health data in real time, thus redefining traditional healthcare approaches. Here’s a more in-depth look:

Patient monitoring

IoT devices can closely monitor patient vitals such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and glucose levels. Notably:

• A study published in KLAS Research Report (2018) showed that remote patient monitoring could reduce hospital readmission by 38%.
• Research published by National Technical University found that IoT-enabled medication adherence systems improved adherence rates by up to 50%.

Emergency alerts

These devices can also provide immediate alerts during medical emergencies, directly saving lives by reducing response times. For example:

A 2018 McKinsey report found that IoT-enabled alert systems could potentially reduce the average emergency response time by 20-35%.

Comfort and care

Technologies like smart beds can automatically adjust to ensure maximum patient comfort. They can monitor sleep patterns, detect movement, and alter bed conditions accordingly. In a 2021 study in the Journal of Healthcare Engineering, patients using smart bed technology reported an improvement in sleep quality.

Efficiency and tracking

Real-time location systems (RTLS) can track the exact location of medical equipment, minimizing losses and reducing time spent searching for devices. A 2021 study in the Journal of Medical Informatics revealed that hospitals using RTLS reduced their equipment search time by 61%.

Example: Florida Hospital Celebration Health

This hospital provides an excellent example of IoT in action. Using IoT, they have managed to enhance patient care and increase operational efficiency. Following the introduction of IoT, the hospital reported an improvement in patient satisfaction scores and a decrease in operating costs.

Real-time location systems can track medical equipment, while smart beds can automatically adjust to ensure patient comfort. Hospitals like Florida Hospital Celebration Health are using IoT for a variety of purposes, enhancing both patient care and operational efficiency.

Robotics and automation in smart hospitals

Robotic technology and automation are making significant strides in healthcare. Robots can perform tasks ranging from surgery and rehabilitation to patient transport and sanitization, often with greater precision and consistency than their human counterparts.

The University of California San Francisco Medical Center has robots handling medication distribution, allowing pharmacists to focus on more complex patient care tasks.

Cybersecurity and data privacy concerns

Despite the benefits, the adoption of technology in smart hospitals also introduces cybersecurity and data privacy concerns. It’s critical to secure sensitive patient data and protect systems from potential cyber threats. Regular system updates, robust encryption, staff training, and a strong focus on data privacy are key to maintaining strong cybersecurity measures.

Conclusion

Smart hospitals represent the future of healthcare. A well-integrated use of technologies, including IoT, AI, telemedicine, and robotics, can significantly enhance both patient care quality and operational efficacy. However, as we embrace this future, it’s also essential to maintain a strong focus on cybersecurity.

For healthcare professionals and administrators, investing in smart hospital solutions should be a priority. Given their potential, these technologies can significantly improve healthcare services, creating a milieu where patient care and efficiency are perfectly aligned.

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About the Author

Howie Robleza is a freelance writer interested in tech, legal, health, and property trends. When she’s not writing, she works in commercial property management.

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