Issue link: https://te.mouser.com/i/1351132
© 2017 TE Connectivity Corporation. TE Connectivity, TE, TE connectivity (logo) and EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS are trademarks. Transforming Healthcare — New Devices, New Technologies, Better Results n Imagine cardiovascular patients having their blood pressure and heart rate measured on a regular basis at home, and the data fed back to cardiologists so they can better track patient care. Doctors could far more easily track everything from respiration rate, cardiac output, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood to body temperature. n What if devices could track the weight of patients battling obstructive heart disease to detect fluid retention before hospitalization is required? n Consider sensor-based devices used to monitor a child's asthma medication to be sure family members are providing the right dosage, and as a way to cut down on visits to the ER. n What if providers could wirelessly link a range of sensors that measure vitals in the emergency and intensive-care units. Sensors that create this data are a good first step. When artificial intelligence and similar tools are added to this, the devices could potentially analyze huge amounts of data to improve clinical decisions. n Rural hospitals in dire need of more physicians could take advantage of telemedicine and other technology advancements. This might include remote consultations, in-home monitoring, outsourced diagnostic analysis, and remote specialist consultations. Telemedicine enables remote physician consultations that are faster, cheaper and more efficient than traditional healthcare appointments. n Even within hospitals and practices, sensor networks are helping to optimize healthcare delivery and monitor patient adherence. Industry Statistics and the Big Picture By 2018, more than five million wearable, mobile medical sensors will be purchased and used throughout the healthcare space. And by 2020, some industry analysts expect global remote monitoring systems to reach a staggering $46 billion in value, driven in part by the need to reduce healthcare spending. (Source: Global Industry Analysts Inc., strategy report.) As technology continues to dramatically evolve, many believe the Internet of Things (IoT) could play a pivotal role in industry after industry — but especially in creating a more connected healthcare ecosystem. In healthcare, IoT may just redefine how apps, devices and people interact and connect with one another to deliver healthcare solutions. The benefits? It could help reduce costs, improve outcomes and disease management, and enhance patient experiences. Here are some of the trends taking place in the patient monitoring field and the key market drivers that design engineers need to consider. Clearly, there is overlap as IoT spans two important areas: the development of smart, connected products and devices, and the proliferation of big data.