Embracing the Digital Era: How Technology Shapes Modern Education

You know what they say, visiting the doctor is a necessary evil. It's never a fun experience, right? You're feeling sick or in pain, and the whole thing just seems like a hassle. I mean, who wants to spend their precious time sitting in a waiting room, surrounded by other sickly souls?

But let me tell you, I've been thinking about this whole situation... and I had a vision. Imagine a future where your family doctor reaches out to you and says, "Hey, based on your child's health data, it looks like he might have a touch of anemia. Try boosting his iron intake and keep an eye on his energy levels." Mind-blowing, right? That's one less trip to the clinic!

This whole revelation hit me when my youngest fell ill a few days ago. The process started with the dreaded check-in at the reception, followed by an eternity in the waiting room. Then came the nurse, reviewing every detail of the visit, checking medical records, and taking those vital signs. And don't even get me started on the anticipation for the doctor, the possible lab tests, the prescription, the trip to the pharmacy, the wait for lab results, and the never-ending follow-up appointments. It's like a never-ending cycle!

Look, I get it. We all know that going to the doctor is important. But can we please admit that the whole thing is just a big, cumbersome mess?

At Smashing Boxes, we have the incredible privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable advancements and opportunities in healthcare IoT, also known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). It may sound like something out of science fiction, but it is very much a reality. As medicine continues to evolve, so does the technology that supports it.

Thanks to the high bandwidth, low latency, and cost-effectiveness of 5G, IoMT is all about connectivity. It encompasses a connected infrastructure of medical devices, software applications, health systems, and services. The potential is vast, ranging from enhanced data collection to improved communication between healthcare providers and patients, as well as advancements in preventative care. These are just a few examples of the transformative power of IoMT.

But here's the best part: the epicenter of this revolution is right here, where I am sitting. In the Triangle, we are fortunate to have a thriving ecosystem with 45 percent of local businesses dedicated to the life sciences and the biotechnology/healthcare industry. This region is a hub for technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and investment, all while offering a low cost of living.

The future of healthcare is being shaped right before our eyes, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this exciting journey.

A History Rich in Healthcare

Let's embark on a journey through the City of Medicine, where healthcare innovation thrives. Durham has emerged as a vibrant hub for cutting-edge research, propelled by the prestigious Research Triangle Park (RTP) and the world-renowned Duke University hospital system. With a medical school consistently ranked among the top 10 in the US, Duke University showcases its exceptional contributions to transformative healthcare research, outstanding hospital quality, and the expertise of its professionals.

But that's not all. In close proximity, UNC-Chapel Hill's medical school claims the prestigious title of the #1 institution for Primary Care nationwide, amplifying the wealth of healthcare resources available in our area. The Triangle region itself is a melting pot of excellence, with esteemed research universities, health-focused nonprofits like FHI360 and RTI, as well as life science investors, biogenetic labs, and pharmaceutical companies. Together, they form a collaborative force, united in their mission to enhance lives through medicine, both locally and globally.

What sets Durham apart is our legacy in medicine, fortified by robust technology and IoT capabilities. This unique combination empowers us to create profound and far-reaching change in countless lives, seamlessly merging healthcare and technology. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we pave the way for a healthier future.

An Ecosystem for Technology Innovation

Take into account the technological prowess of this region. Nortel and Sony Ericsson were among the companies that propelled RTP and its neighboring cities into the digital era, positioning us at the forefront of wireless and cellular communication development.

Fast forward to today: The RTP is one of the FASTEST GROWING TECHNOLOGY HUBS in the United States, and the balance between emerging startup pioneers and established tech players (think Cisco, IBM, SAS) puts us in an unparalleled position. ?The Triangle ranks among the TOP 10 REGIONS for the highest percentage of tech jobs in the workforce. Inc. Magazine named the Triangle among the top three best places for launching a startup, with Austin nabbing the No. 1 spot. To top it off, North Carolina entrepreneurs RAISED a record $2.75 billion in 2018.

An INNOVATION THAT MATTERS study used information from local startup founders and business leaders in both the public and private sectors to FIND that “Durham is a national leader in fostering a culture conducive to the open exchange of enterprising new ideas, and to world-class startup entrepreneurship.” In the midst of this powerful ecosystem and the talented communities that call it home, we have the chance to push unprecedented boundaries in IoT.

Source: Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina

Opportunities in IoT and Healthcare

IoMT holds immense promise and countless capabilities, but it's not just about 'things' or technology. At its core, it's about people. A human-centered approach is crucial to effectively leverage medical and tech-based resources in this field. The true benefits of this innovative frontier will be witnessed through the patients and communities it empowers. Patient A is not just a rhetorical device–as per the NATIONAL HEALTH COUNCIL, “generally incurable and ongoing, chronic diseases affect approximately 133 million Americans.” Through IoT, we have the power to challenge the status quo. Remote monitoring capabilities, and efficient Cloud-based sharing platforms among providers will DRASTICALLY IMPROVE the healthcare experiences of entire populations.

Now, picture this: Patient A, battling multiple chronic health conditions, constantly shuttles between various physicians' offices. With a spinal disease, blood disease, and kidney disease, they require expertise from different specialists. This situation brings forth numerous implications: the time-consuming commute between hospitals, the mental strain of repeating symptoms to each provider, and the potential risks of conflicting advice or prescriptions.

To truly make a difference, we must embrace these unique stories and understand the diverse health journeys. Only then can we create platforms and devices that best support the population, revolutionizing healthcare experiences through the widespread implementation of IoT.

These applications of IoT may seem new to you: patient data collection and monitoring is something that typically goes on behind the scenes when you head to the doctor to ensure that your experience goes as smoothly as possible. However, one of the largest opportunities found in healthcare IoT is one that already has a place in many of our daily lives and can be found right on our wrists.

Medical integrated devices are among the most exciting innovations in healthcare-centered IoT. Wearables, like the Fitbit Versa, Apple Watch Series 4, and Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, have already taken the health industry by storm–and have even SAVED LIVES by alerting wearers of critical, undiagnosed health conditions. With IoT, vital information can now be seamlessly shared with healthcare providers, enabling them to monitor your medical statistics remotely. Picture this: real-time updates, early warnings (imagine your provider alerting you to cut down on sodium to avoid an unnecessary office visit), and enhanced connectivity between patient and provider. This groundbreaking technology not only helps prevent illnesses, but also detects dangerous underlying conditions to save lives.

This is the astonishing capability of AI-integrated healthcare: in a JANUARY 2019 RESEARCH paper, “Google obtained de-identified data of 216,221 adults, with more than 46 billion data points between them.” Spanning 11 combined years at two hospitals, AI researchers state that the data could predict diagnoses, hospital readmission statistics, and other vital information with unparalleled accuracy. This is how machine learning and AI can support the growth of healthcare IoT by extraordinary measures–this is where we–right here, right now–have the unprecedented opportunity to lead the way.

When it comes to seeking crucial diagnoses, accuracy and efficiency are paramount. Imagine if your caregiver had access to not just 100 patient data points, but a staggering 100,000. Now that's the power of advanced healthcare technology!

The future of tech-enabled healthcare is filled with incredible possibilities, way beyond what I mentioned earlier. Here at the Research Triangle Park, we're surrounded by amazing opportunities in IoT and the medical field. We have the power to propel ourselves into the future, aiming to improve lives by challenging the norms in health-based technology. And you know what? It all starts locally but with a global mindset. Being right at the heart of a tech and medical hub gives us the perfect platform to innovate within our own communities. The products, research, and progress that come out of this can then be applied on a global scale, pushing our society forward. Exciting, right?

Creating the future of healthcare requires dedicated effort, but the possibilities for positive change in medical-centered IoT are limitless. Tom Snyder, executive director of the RTP's RIoT, emphasizes that IoT is not a future prospect, but a present reality[^1^]. So, what hinders the widespread implementation of this emerging technology across various industries at an accelerated pace?

[^1^]: Source: IoT Playbook

To truly excel and achieve our goals, we must confront the obstacles that lie ahead. There are certain areas that impede IoT from emerging as a frontrunner in IT integration. Take, for instance, the pivotal role of data science and analytics in driving IoT. Surprisingly, IT and data services often operate independently, without interconnection. Let's bridge this gap and unleash the full potential of IoT! Check out this article on AREAS RESPONSIBLE for more insights.

Snyder presents a compelling argument in his FURTHER CASE: "No organization can single-handedly provide all components of an IoT solution, from silicon to sensors to data services and beyond." The integration of IoT into industries such as healthcare demands collaboration among diverse experts, each contributing their unique skills to address complex challenges. These scenarios serve as a captivating glimpse into the obstacles we may encounter when operating within this exciting realm of technology.

Overcoming Obstacles; Reducing the Risks

Here are the four key obstacles to IoT’s integration into the field of health:

1. Effective data collection monitoring
2. Interoperability concerns
3. Cybersecurity implications
4. Involved manufacturing processes

Our second article in this series will address, in-depth, the ROOTS OF THESE BARRIERS and the ways in which we’re positioned to solve them. What’s your vision of the future of healthcare? We’d love to help make it happen. Contact us today.