Possibilities of the connected healthcare era ‘extremely exciting’

Medical devices are getting smarter. Smart spinal implants can collect data on the strains placed on the device while intelligent pacemakers not only help in rectifying the abnormality in the heart and re-establishing normal body functions but also alert the user and their physician about a patient’s cardiac health.

At another level, smartwatches and other wearables can monitor heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and other health indicators to inform both the wearer and their doctors of their health status.

“The possibilities of the connected healthcare era are extremely exciting,” says Chris Collins, country president Ireland, Schneider Electric. “What we know is already feasible from our experience supporting leaders in the sector here in Ireland and around the world is, I suspect, just the tip of the iceberg.

“It’s quite possible to imagine a future where each person enjoys a completely personalised healthcare experience that understands them at the most intricate level, including their genetic predispositions, treatment responsiveness and more. This vision will be realised through the power of AI and the digital transformation of healthcare, spanning from drug discovery to manufacturing and encompassing connected medical devices.”

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The integration of intelligent medical devices into digital healthcare platforms across the entire healthcare supply chain delivers substantial advantages to both patients and healthcare systems, Collins adds.

“Patients gain access to real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing them to actively manage their health conditions and promptly seek medical assistance when necessary,” he says. “Concurrently, healthcare systems experience a decrease in hospital admissions, improved resource allocation and enhanced, data-driven, decision making and planning, and a deeper understanding of patients and illnesses.”

Collins anticipates the emergence of even more sophisticated devices equipped with advanced AI capabilities.

“These advancements will facilitate predictive diagnostics, early intervention and more precise treatment strategies, resulting in improved healthcare outcomes. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the evolving regulatory landscape, which must be thoughtfully developed to enable the secure flow of sensitive patient data – a foundational aspect of this transformative era in healthcare.”