Rahul Kishore Singh, CEO and Co-Founder, Bonatra emphasises that the management of chronic diseases can be complex and expensive, which is why healthcare providers in India are constantly exploring new technologies to make the process more efficient and effective. One of the most promising of these technologies is the IoMT
Chronic diseases are a growing concern in India, with an estimated 61 per cent of all deaths being attributed to them. The management of chronic diseases can be complex and expensive, which is why healthcare providers in India are constantly exploring new technologies to make the process more efficient and effective. One of the most promising of these technologies is the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT).
Before we go ahead, let’s delve deeper on the topic of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are long-term conditions that typically progress slowly over time and these conditions can affect various parts of the body and can cause a range of symptoms and complications that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Some common examples of chronic diseases include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and cancer. These conditions can develop due to a range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.
Chronic diseases can often be managed with a combination of supplementation, lifestyle changes, and ongoing medical care. Regular medical care is also important for managing chronic diseases, as healthcare providers can monitor symptoms and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Overall, managing chronic diseases requires a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the condition. With ongoing care and support, many people with chronic diseases are able to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
What is IoMT?
IoMT refers to the network of medical devices, sensors, and software that can connect to the internet and transmit data in real-time. These devices are designed to collect data on patients’ vital signs, health behaviours, and medication adherence, among other things. IoMT devices can be integrated with electronic health records (EHRs) and other clinical systems to enable providers to access real-time data on patients’ health.
Examples of IoMT devices
There are several types of IoMT devices that are being used for chronic disease management in India. Some of these include:
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems: CGM systems are IoMT-enabled devices that are used by people with diabetes to continuously monitor their blood glucose levels. These devices provide real-time data on glucose levels, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and medication use. Some CGM systems can also transmit data directly to healthcare providers, allowing for more efficient management of the condition.
Remote monitoring systems for cardiac patients: These systems use IoMT devices to remotely monitor patients with heart disease and other cardiac conditions. Patients can wear devices that monitor their heart rate, rhythm, and other important metrics, and healthcare providers can use this data to identify potential complications and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Smart pill dispensers: These devices can be used to manage medications for people with chronic diseases, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The devices can remind patients to take their medications at the appropriate times and can alert healthcare providers if medications are not taken as prescribed.
Mobile apps for asthma management: There are a variety of IoMT-enabled mobile apps that can be used to manage asthma symptoms. These apps can track medication use, monitor symptoms, and provide personalized feedback and recommendations for patients.
Remote patient monitoring: IoMT devices can be used for remote patient monitoring to keep track of patients with chronic diseases who live in remote areas or who have limited access to healthcare services.
Population health management: IoMT devices can be used for population health management to identify patients with chronic diseases who are at higher risk of complications and intervene with preventative measures. For example, a healthcare provider may use a remote monitoring system to track patients with heart disease and intervene if their blood pressure readings become too high. By using IoMT devices to monitor patients’ health status and provide preventative interventions, healthcare providers can help reduce the overall cost of care and improve patient outcomes.
Clinical trials: IoMT devices can be used in clinical trials for chronic diseases to collect real-time data on patients’ health status and medication adherence. For example, a researcher may use a smart pill dispenser to track patients’ medication adherence in a clinical trial for a new treatment for Parkinson’s disease. By using IoMT devices to collect data in clinical trials, researchers can gain a better understanding of how different interventions affect patients with chronic diseases and identify potential new treatments.
Workplace wellness programs: Employers can use IoMT devices as part of workplace wellness programs to help employees manage chronic diseases and improve their overall health. For example, an employer may offer employees with diabetes a CGM system to help them better manage their condition. By providing IoMT devices as part of a wellness program, employers can help reduce absenteeism and improve productivity in the workplace.
Smart rings: Smart rings are wearable devices that can track a range of health metrics, including heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity levels. Some smart rings, such as the Bonatra ring, have been shown to be effective in monitoring symptoms of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Overall, IoMT devices can be powerful tools for managing chronic diseases in a variety of B2B scenarios. By providing real-time data on health metrics, these devices can help healthcare providers, researchers, and employers make informed decisions about patient care and employee health
Benefits for healthcare providers
IoMT devices have several benefits for healthcare providers in India. Firstly, they provide healthcare providers with real-time data on patients’ health, allowing them to intervene early and prevent complications. Secondly, IoMT devices can reduce the number of hospitalisations and emergency room visits, which can help reduce healthcare costs. Finally, IoMT devices can improve patient outcomes by providing healthcare providers with a more complete picture of the patient’s health.
Conclusion
The use of IoMT devices for chronic disease management is a promising development in healthcare in India. By enabling healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely and intervene when necessary, IoMT devices have the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. However, there are also challenges associated with the adoption of IoMT, such as data security and privacy concerns and the need for healthcare providers to be trained on how to use and interpret the data generated by IoMT. Nevertheless, as the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more widespread adoption and integration of IoMT into healthcare delivery systems in India, ultimately transforming the way we manage chronic diseases in the country.