Timely and effective healthcare services have become that much more important during the coronavirus pandemic. IoT, short for the Internet of Things, is ameliorating the challenge of providing potentially life-saving healthcare to those in need as quickly as possible. IoT facilitates the transfer of information in real-time, helping patients receive prompt and effective care for improved health and well-being.
The Basics of IoT
IoT is centered on the use of the internet to improve quality of life. It is now possible to connect the internet to personal medical devices, TVs, refrigerators, and other appliances. All in all, there will be an excess of 30 million IoT devices at the end of this year. The rise in IoT makes it that much easier to live in comfort at home and also enjoy timely and effective medical care during public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic.
IoT Uses in the Midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic
IoT makes it possible for coronavirus patients and others in poor health to transmit their personal health data to medical professionals through at-home monitoring tools. Furthermore, it is now possible to interface with a medical professional over a screen thanks to high-speed internet. Termed “telehealth”, this web-based interaction with medical professionals has helped countless patients obtain invaluable advice amidst the coronavirus pandemic. It is quite possible a large percentage of patients will continue to meet with medical professionals through telehealth solutions even after the pandemic ends.
As an example, one IoT app – MaNaDR – empowers patients to check in with healthcare professionals on a regular basis to report symptoms. If the doctor determines the patient’s symptoms have worsened to the point that in-person treatment is necessary, he or she can summon an ambulance to the patient’s home.
IoT Robots
Most people are aware of the fact that the COVID-19 outbreak originated in China. However, the average person is surprised to learn the Chinese used field hospitals complete with IoT robots to disinfect and clean areas traversed by COVID-19 carriers and those who treated them. This prudent use of IoT empowered Wuhan doctors to better scale ICU nurses during the outbreak. In fact, the IoT robots were advanced to the point that they even delivered medicines and took patient temperatures at field hospitals.
IoT Buttons Debut During the Coronavirus Pandemic
IoT buttons – also referred to as “smart buttons” – were implemented during the pandemic. Created by Visionstate, an IoT specialist, these buttons were implemented at Vancouver hospitals. Formally known as “Wanda QuickTouch buttons”, this unique IoT technology facilitated the timely deployment of medical personnel at facilities of varying sizes. IoT buttons transmitted real-time alerts to healthcare facility managers letting them know of the pressing need to clean or maintain areas likely to pose a threat to public safety.
These nifty button monitor alerts stick to surfaces of varying sorts yet require no infrastructure whatsoever except a functional internet connection. IoT buttons undoubtedly saved lives after use in nursing stations, patient rooms, bathrooms, and common spaces.
Connected Thermometers
Hospitals throughout the world now rely on web-connected thermometers to screen medical personnel as well as patients. As an example, VivaLNK’s temperature sensors transmit real-time data of alterations in body temperature. Cassia’s IoT Access Controller receives the sensor data so maps can be created to reveal locations where there is a concentrated spike in body temperature indicative of a coronavirus outbreak.
We are Here to Help
Are you interested in implementing IoT at your workplace? Perhaps you need assistance with your network, servers, or digital security. Uniti Fiber has your tech needs covered. Reach out to us today to find out more about our services. If you prefer that one of our representatives contacts you, simply fill out our contact form and we will be in touch.
