The pandemic provided the catalyst for one of the largest and fastest adoptions of technologies in modern history, awakening organisations to the need and uses of video calls for meetings, consultations and service provision and the realisation that reliable telecommunications networks were essential. While the media hype around 5G initially homed in on consumers looking for home entertainment and gaming among other uses, industries are now pivoting to 5G.
Healthcare is one example where 5G is expected to bring a variety of telemedicine applications, such as remote patient monitoring and care, into the mainstream. It can facilitate remote support for nurses and doctors doing home visits to video stream expert opinion in and out of the home, or for ambulance staff at the scene of a scenario that might need additional support, for surgery when specialist surgeons or the patient cannot be moved but expertise is needed.
While figuring out how to make the patient experience better right now, it is also very important to think about the future. As hospital operations become increasingly digitalised, it becomes ever more important to have wireless networks that can handle the load from robots, sensors, location solutions, and other connected Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies.
Related: Webinar: Digitalisation creates a collaborative environment in Saudi healthcare
Think about the load that is increasingly being placed on networks. There is a continuous flow of vital signs from patients located in a multitude of locations combined with statistics to predict outcomes and deliver tailored care plans.
There are robots undertaking neurosurgery guided by a surgeon on a different continent — and taking patient temperatures, triaging, and delivering food. Meanwhile, telehealth consultations during virtual surgeries are enriched with added data input from wearables relaying patient vital signs to people inside and outside the operating room in real time. Wearables are guiding physiotherapy programmes, alerting care providers to patient falls, and keeping chronic patients like diabetics well for longer with personalised programmes.
Healthcare professionals should not be isolated or unable to access the information or advice they need on the spot. High-quality healthcare devices with Wi-Fi 6 and 5G connectivity, Bluetooth, walkie-talkie calls, instant messaging, high-quality touch screens, cameras and mics, and the ability to quickly access and share patient records and treatment notes should be a normal and standard expectation.
Related: Strategies to lead the healthcare industry in the era of digital transformation
Telehealth has increased the comfort and convenience of care for patients everywhere. People no longer need to attend a hospital or clinic for every appointment — or to get a prescription renewal or specialist referral. And they no longer need to be concerned with commuting or wait times. They simply need to be virtually accessible for their scheduled appointment. Heightened visibility into the potential of telehealth, chatbots, and remote patient monitoring have healthcare providers trying to determine the right care model and service delivery balance moving forward.
Though most people think of telehealth as a provider consulting with an at-home patient, we could see more inpatient oversight and care via telehealth. Recently, a hospital was using enterprise-grade handheld mobile computers to connect patients with their relatives by video call. There were more than 14,000 virtual visits conducted in its first year alone.
Time for 5G to join forces with Wi-Fi
Think about what will happen if we keep placing that demand on Wi-Fi networks — networks that are overloaded simply by a growing number of connected smartphones, clinical mobile computers, and tablets. We cannot put all our eggs in one basket. Ideally, everyone in healthcare should be talking about 5G and what it is going to take to get healthcare operational and information technology systems migrated to 5G networks inside and outside the four walls.
With speeds 100 times faster than 4G and ultra-low latency, 5G has the ability to handle many more connections without faltering. 5G is imperative for the volume and sensitivity of new healthcare delivery data — an enabler and catalyst for better outcomes.
I know you might think I am ahead of the times on this one considering many parts of the world are still on 3G or not yet able to access 5G networks. Plus, healthcare leaders have spent a fortune on Wi-Fi infrastructure that no one wants to rip and replace. But I am not saying 5G is an urgent action item — just an urgent topic of discussion.
If anything, you should be asking technology providers about what it will take to get a private wireless network online in general. Whether it is 4G or 5G right now really does not matter because cellular connectivity offers many advantages over Wi-Fi when it comes to network stability, predictability and even security, which patients will be keen on with electronic patient record system use rising.
Standing up a cellular network that you can fully control within your facilities is going to be table stakes sooner than you think. And you will not have to replace anything as it will work alongside your Wi-Fi networks. The Wi-Fi could be reserved for patient/guest use while private wireless network access could be prioritised for staff communications, telehealth, robotic surgeries, virtual wards, patient monitoring and more.
The pandemic accelerated healthcare technology adoption at unprecedented rates, and this looks set to continue. As care delivery becomes increasingly sophisticated both inside and outside hospital facilities, the load on our digital infrastructure will increase. Leaders should be considering 5G-enabled devices and facilities a significant part of the future of healthcare.
Lorna Hopkin is the Healthcare Solutions Specialist, EMEA, Zebra Technologies.
Get the latest insights from the healthcare industry straight to your inbox. Subscribe for a bi-weekly roundup of the latest healthcare tech, trends, innovation and patient experience, accompanied by exclusive interviews from the industry’s leaders.
