« Medical devices connected to the web »

Health records updated from home so health workers can ensure remote patients are healthy.  Devices, like asthma inhalers and blood oxygen monitors, are transmitting readings instantly when connected to the web.  Health workers are alerted instantly and can take action if there is a problem.

However, organizations are just getting started with connecting devices to the web.  This article on "Innovation: Is the future of healthcare online?" highlights emerging technological leaps and gives an idea of where they could lead.

The industry is moving beyond the traditional telehealth approach of remote contact with patients through phone calls and video conferencing.  By taking this to the next level of advancement, connecting devices to the web is keeping health workers informed instantly and provides more convenience for patients.

For example, this year Nonin unveiled the world's first handheld pulse oximeter for blood oxygen monitoring that sends data over the web.  And Cambridge Consultants announced a wireless inhaler that transmits a confirmation that medication was issued to a central server, and the patients health record is instantly updated.

The benefit for a patient is convenience and knowing that problems can be detected at an early stage before they become serious.  Of course, there is the question of privacy and people may choose to make this a trade-off.  The benefits of using the latest technology may outweigh the potential privacy concern.  From what we've seen, more people are deciding it's worth it.

There is a socialogical shift towards sharing personal data.  People share more about themselves than ever before on the web - from their location and what they are doing every hour of the day to personal health records on Google Health.

Significant benefits are waiting for patients and health workers just around the corner.  More needs to be done to ensure privacy and the system works seamlessly but it's going in a positive directly.