IoT implementation in healthcare represents an exciting opportunity to leverage all the existing benefits of the Internet and smart devices, while also creating new challenges. At the very least, healthcare IT departments can capitalize on existing strategies and develop further systems that will enhance services. However, as organizations continue to evaluate their digital strategy, they should also begin to consider the challenges of implementing an IoT system. It is important that healthcare executives face both the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating digital technology into healthcare facilities.
As the IoT and digital transformation continue to evolve, healthcare operators face new challenges in data processing and in how they manage clinical records. At first glance, these obstacles may seem relatively minor. For instance, operators will no longer need to print paper records because they can access electronic patient records through iPads or iPhones. However, advances in sensor technology and wireless communications are quickly making data processing more problematic.
Cloud computing refers to a model in which software is provided on demand to multiple customers via a public network. The model was initially designed for businesses that were expensive enough to justify the cost of data processing. However, smaller and medium-sized companies can now benefit as well. Cloud computing has allowed companies such as Amazon and eBay to eliminate the cost of storage and server use, while still providing high-quality customer service. In effect, customers can have all of their information and applications available at their fingertips without the hassle of installation, maintenance, and additional equipment.
The advantages of cloud-based solutions are obvious, but what operators need to understand is the new paradigm for managing clinical care is now in place. Rather than rely on traditional data processing approaches, organizations can utilize artificial intelligence models called fog computing. These models leverage large-scale data and analytics to provide real-time information to operational staff. The primary advantage of using fog computing is that it helps to reduce operational costs because it leverages existing data warehouse systems. As a result, healthcare organizations can save more money on staffing costs, while providing more services to patients.
Healthcare IT teams face significant challenges when it comes to implementing new technologies. One issue is making the transition from legacy architectures to a cloud-based system. Another is the integration of enterprise-grade devices with an innovative protocol. Experts agree that a hybrid-cloud-based protocol paired with a predictive maintenance system will be the most effective way to make the migration as easy and economical. An easy way to get started is to use digital twins as an example of a standard used in the healthcare industry. Digital twins are an algorithmically designed system that operates on real-time data and provides insight into potential problems.
Digital twins are a popular solution because they help hospitals analyze data easily. They have been designed for hospitals by experts in the field so it’s not surprising why they are used so frequently. A handful of other industry leaders are trying to follow suit by creating digital twins or at least using their lead technology. This is advantageous for hospitals that want to start an IETT (integrated enterprise data systems) program in the near future.
In response to increasing competition, healthcare organizations should look to the cloud more than ever. This is because enterprises are finding it easier to use IETT models and to get started with their own predictive maintenance system without spending too much money. Healthcare IETT vendors like Boxx can offer cloud-based solutions starting at less than $5 million for a minimal deployment. However, as adoption rates in the cloud continue to increase, businesses will recognize the benefits of IETT and will begin to use them more frequently.
Experts believe that the future of healthcare will see even greater IETT adoption rates. One reason for this is because IETT offers a better model for using big data to improve the quality of care. Another is that cloud cloud-service adoption has picked up speed recently, which is good news for people working in the healthcare industry. If you’re in a healthcare company or planning on operating one, getting started with cloud services today may be one of the best choices you make. By getting in early, IT departments will be able to adjust quickly to changes in digital technology.
