Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Now The Internet Can Save Lives

When looking to the future of the Internet, do not just think about flat and small screens with keypads. Think about sensors with Internet Protocol people carry with them or attach to objects. Think how pill-shaped microcameras can create significant efficiencies by collecting hard-to-find data and alerting doctors and caregivers to changes in a patient’s health condition.

As the recent McKinsey Quarterly report, Internet of Things, highlights, such Internet-based technology can collect and send thousands of images from the human digestive tract and help physicians detect illnesses. There is also tremendous value in gathering real-time data from a patient’s daily routine. Spotting symptoms early on helps patients and hospitals save on cost of healthcare and most importantly, can help save lives.

In fact, a trial using sensors on patients with congestive heart failure collected data on basics such as weight, blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm on a daily basis. This was significantly more information than what physicians could gather on a routine check, during a patient visit. Using such systems, physicians can detect early warning signs and prevent unplanned hospitalizations.

To read about additional applications of smart sensors in healthcare, marketing and energy fields, among others, please click here.

 

 

Posted via web from Speaking of Social Media

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