The Critical Role of 5G in Healthcare Transformation

As technology continues to improve, people are finding it easier and easier to communicate with one another using digital devices. Besides the organic increase of digital use, COVID-19 has also managed to accelerate it’s spread as a means of keeping people safe from the infection as well as making news updates easier to find. As society is linked to the digital revolution, the development of the new 5G network, although still being developed, is predicted to make large progressions across the world.

Many industries are planning on, if not already, incorporating the use of 5G into their digital plans. Anything from retail, media, entertainment, transportation, manufacturing, and most importantly, the healthcare industry, can see huge changes if this technology is integrated into their systems. Going further in-depth about healthcare and its relationship with 5G, this article will touch on the different methods of network use and how the industry will adopt the technology further into the future to better help both health professionals and their patients.

5G In Healthcare

Fifth-generation wireless technology, or 5G, is a form of telecommunication that is and will continue to be the fastest way to connect and spread information using its own network wavelength. A handful of companies are even competing with one another to the race of who can create the first nationwide functioning 5G network; that they’ll then be able to offer to the mass public. Along with that, it’s been predicted that the evolution to 5G networks will also lead to the development of new technologies.

Wireless technology is already able to transfer large amounts of data and files within healthcare networks, meaning these abilities will only see expansion and growth as time goes on.

The Critical Role of 5g in Healthcare Transformation

With patients unable to see their loved ones in-person because of COVID-19 health restrictions, 5G has been able to give families and friends ways to stay connected with one another through different digital platforms. As for health professionals, in some cases, it’s allowed them to stay clear of possible infection through the use of telehealth appointments; while others have gained fast access to informative data from precise analytics through 5G interpretations.

As time carries on, the healthcare industry is predicted to increase their reliance on 5G use. Irrespective of whether the technology helps improve already constructed devices or develop new services, it’s important to understand just how 5g will change healthcare:

Smart Ambulance: Future ambulance technology will allow first responders to act quickly to people in need of help. The transfer of information from the dispatcher to the first responders will be much faster, allowing the vehicle to locate victims during a time where every minute counts. Data from the first responders to healthcare professionals at a hospital will also be transferred at a rapid speed, which will tremendously help these workers have some knowledge of the patient before the ambulance arrives.

Remote Health Care and Medical Sensors: Patients who rely on sensors to keep track of their medical conditions such as heart problems or diabetes will now have the ability to send information to their doctor swiftly with the new innovations of 5G technology. Health providers will also be able to monitor and reach patients properly with the power of quick transferable information.

Improved AR Applications: Through augmented reality applications, health professionals such as physical therapists will be able to set up simulated appointments with their clients to give patients an in-person experience minus the risk of infection.

Medical Information: The 5G healthcare industry’s budget is projected to reach $76 billion in revenue by the year 2026. Although medical databases and information are already utilizing this technology, over the next several years, the transfer is predicted to be streamlined further, increasing the speed of the process as well as the confidence of data being secured through IT.

Precautions With 5G In Healthcare

Along with the predictions of how 5G will change healthcare, the industry also needs to be aware of the possible dangers that come with it. BPI Network reported that 94% of telecom and industry experts are concerned about the use of 5G and security issues with medical data.

If this is the case, the medical field will also need to focus on IT services to keep personal data on consumers from being breached by outside sources. Depending on the use of the 5G networks will also determine how much security needs to be put into place as protection from potential hacks; keep in mind that despite this new network’s complexity, it’s still safer than earlier network models due to the sophisticated encryption it was created with.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of 5G networks will see an outstanding amount of growth throughout the digital era, specifically as it relates to the healthcare industry. The long term effects will undoubtedly change the healthcare industry for the better, including more efficient ways to take care of patients, assist health care professionals, and ultimately, save a greater number of lives due to the positive impact of technological impacts.