Healthcare is a multi-billion pound industry and the momentum of this sector shows no signs of slowing down. Examples include advancements in pharmacology, new surgical treatments and even the use of artificial intelligence (AI) when diagnosing a specific condition. However, “smart” technology has likewise opened up an entirely new marketplace for at-home solutions. What are some recent innovations and what advantages can they provide?

User-Friendly Maintenance Kits

In the past, performing relatively common tasks such as a water test (to detect for the presence of dissolved mineral content) would require the expertise of an on-site professional. The same holds true in regards to the air quality of a home and targeted disinfection techniques. Consumers can now purchase do-it-yourself kits that will provide viable results without needing to outsource potentially expensive solutions.

The Rise of Healthcare Apps

Some individuals may be confined to their homes for an extended period of time. Perhaps the most recent example of this involved the social distancing measures imposed during the COVID pandemic. Other instances can include an individual who has suffered an acute injury or who is dealing with a chronic illness. The issue here is that it can be difficult to obtain help in the event of a sudden emergency. This is why companies have begun developing healthcare apps for mobile devices. These systems are easy to use and many will automatically alert the authorities when triggered. There is little doubt that such clever programs have already saved countless lives.

Telehealth Services

This is yet another trend which has been making waves throughout the healthcare community. Telehealth is now beginning to transform the ways in which common services are provided. This technology is generally defined as the ability for a patient to obtain remote assistance and support when keeping track of specific medical conditions.

There are several ways to access these services. Some companies offer downloadable smartphone applications that are synced with a primary care physician; offering the ability to proactively monitor certain variables such as blood pressure and heartrate. Others come in the form of VoIP communications. Similar to conference calls, it is possible for a patient to communicate with a medical professional even when separated by hundreds of miles.

The Internet of Medical Things

Often abbreviated as “IoMT”, this is another emerging technology that promises targeted home-based healthcare solutions. The Internet of Medical Things is not a discrete system, but rather a combination of healthcare management systems that are designed and linked together to perform a variety of tasks. Some examples include (but are not limited to):

• Wireless devices able to detect a trip or a fall within the home.
• Automatic carbon monoxide detectors.
• The collection of medical-related data via a mobile device.

While all of these advancements are quite impressive, it should nonetheless be mentioned that even the most advanced smart home-based healthcare systems cannot replace the expertise of a trained professional. They are instead intended to supplement this experience in order to provide even more reliable solutions.