IoT Sensors for Healthcare: Enhancing Patient Safety

How IoT Sensors Work in Healthcare Settings

IoT sensors, such as those by SafetyCulture, are equipped with advanced technology to detect specific conditions and trigger alerts when deviations occur. So, how exactly do these sensors work in healthcare settings?

First and foremost, IoT sensors collect data from various sources, such as patient vital signs, environmental conditions, equipment performance, etc. This data is collected in real time and can be accessed remotely. Often, they are equipped with customizable alert settings that notify healthcare professionals of any deviations from normal conditions.

Once the data is collected, software algorithms analyze it to identify potential issues or deviations from normal conditions. This analysis can help predict potential health risks, equipment failures, and other critical patient safety information.

After the data is analyzed, it is then transmitted to centralized systems, such as Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software, for integrations or further processing and storage. This real-time transmission allows healthcare professionals to access vital information anytime and make timely decisions to improve patient outcomes.

Types of IoT Sensors Used in Healthcare

There are many types of IoT sensors used in healthcare settings. Some of the most common ones include the following:

Wearable Sensors

Wearable sensors are attached to a patient’s body and can monitor vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. These sensors provide real-time data and can alert hospital professionals of any sudden changes in a patient’s health. Examples of wearable sensors include fitness trackers and smartwatches.

Environmental Sensors

Environmental sensors monitor conditions in healthcare settings, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and motion. These sensors help maintain a safe and comfortable patient environment and can also detect potential hazards. For instance, temperature and humidity sensors can monitor the conditions of vaccines, blood products, and medications to ensure their integrity.

They often come in the following types:

1. Temperature Sensors – These sensors monitor temperature levels in refrigerators, freezers, and other storage units where medications and vaccines are stored.
2. Humidity Sensors – With a humidity sensor, you can measure the amount of moisture in the air. In healthcare settings, they can prevent mold growth and maintain safe patient conditions.
3. Air Quality Sensors – Air quality sensors monitor pollutants, particulate matter, and other harmful substances in the air. These sensors can help improve patient outcomes by alerting healthcare professionals of any potential respiratory risks.

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors can detect movement and provide data on patient activity levels. They are often used in remote patient monitoring systems to track a patient’s physical movements and identify potential issues. Examples of motion sensors include pressure mats and accelerometers.

Asset Tracking Sensors

Asset tracking sensors monitor medical equipment and supplies within healthcare facilities. These sensors can track the location of equipment, ensure proper maintenance schedules, and prevent theft or loss. Using these also helps healthcare workers report possible issues and concerns before they can progress.

Level Sensors

Level sensors monitor the levels of liquids, such as blood products and medications, in storage containers. They help prevent overfilling or underfilling of these containers, ensuring accurate patient dosages. These can also be used for water tanks, septic tanks, and the like.

Uses of IoT Sensors for Healthcare

IoT sensors have various applications in healthcare, ranging from improving patient safety to enhancing efficiency and compliance. Some common uses of these sensors include:

• Infection Control – Environmental sensors, such as temperature and humidity sensors, can prevent bacterial growth and other harmful pathogens that can cause infections. They do this by ensuring that the conditions in healthcare settings are optimized in order to avoid spreading diseases.
• Patient Monitoring – IoT sensors can monitor patients’ vital signs, activity levels, and other metrics in real time. This allows healthcare professionals to identify potential risks and intervene promptly.
• Smoke Detection – Smoke detection sensors can be installed in healthcare facilities to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. These sensors are strategically placed in high-risk areas such as operating rooms, kitchens, and laboratories, where the potential for fire hazards is significant.
• Emergency Response Automation – IoT sensors can trigger automated responses, such as alerting first responders and providing them with real-time information on patient conditions.
• Equipment Tracking, Management, and Maintenance – Asset tracking sensors can help healthcare facilities monitor equipment, reduce theft and loss, and ensure timely maintenance.
• Temperature Monitoring – Temperature monitoring sensors can help healthcare facilities comply with regulations and guidelines for storing temperature-sensitive medications, vaccines, and blood products. These sensors ensure that these items are stored optimally to maintain their efficacy.

Compliance

Aside from the diverse applications mentioned above, regulatory compliance is another essential aspect of healthcare that can benefit from IoT sensors. These sensors can help healthcare facilities comply with the following:

• US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – In US healthcare, HIPAA is a critical regulation that ensures patient privacy and the security of electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). IoT sensors contribute to HIPAA compliance by monitoring and controlling access to sensitive areas within healthcare facilities.
• US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – IoT sensors help healthcare facilities meet OSHA requirements by ensuring that Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems maintain air quality within safe limits. It can also track cleanliness and sterilization processes in operating rooms and patient areas, helping comply with infection control protocols.
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Multiple countries have strong FDA guidelines on storing and handling medications and medical devices require precise environmental control. IoT sensors, such as temperature and humidity monitors, ensure that storage conditions for medicine and vaccines remain within specified limits.
• ISO 13485 – ISO 13485 requires organizations aiming for international accreditation to establish procedures for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions that may affect product quality. It emphasizes maintaining medical devices’ safety, quality, and performance throughout their lifecycle, including proper storage, transportation, distribution, and operating conditions.