The IoT is altering the medical device landscape slowly, but surely. Up until now, the identifying, recording and monitoring of medical devices of health systems have all been difficult as a result of insufficient databases, and standard identifiers for these devices. In a special report featuring three medical device experts, their best practices are shared for healthcare provider organizations that are attempting to optimize their medical device and IoT technologies for peak performance. The following article points out how and why medical device data is now an essential component of the healthcare system IT infrastructure, as well as a key factor in clinical and operational success.
Connected medical devices and the Internet of Things have become major areas of both promise and concern for hospitals in recent years. They generate key clinical data – and can enable timely and life-saving interventions – but they also pose serious safety and security implications when improperly configured.
Chief information officers, chief medical information officers, chief medical officers, chief information security officers and other IT leaders all have a vested interest in the safe operation of medical devices and IoT tools, and in ensuring the integrity of their data output. But making IoT run optimally is a challenge.