Benefits of 5G on the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Industry

 

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The healthcare system is experiencing a massive transformation with the rollout of the 5G network, which comes with safe, high-speed connections, low lag, and increased capacity. In addition to making healthcare efficient and reliable, 5G helps improve individual health and save lives. Since 5 G's invention, the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry has appreciated its significance, especially during the Covid 19 pandemic.

 

By Brittany Cotton

 

The benefits of 5G, including cutting-edge medical innovations, support for the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), and artificial intelligence (AI) through remote access, real-time monitoring, and quick data transfers and processing, have enabled technological advancements in healthcare.

 

Experts anticipate that these advancements will bridge the gap between rural and urban healthcare services, offers remote access to world-class surgeons and doctors, support an aging population, and enable individuals to improve and maintain their health.

The Significance of 5G in the Healthcare Industry

 

Improved Security and Reliability

 

One of the leading benefits of the 5G network is its ability to offer a remarkable 99.999% reliability, offering specific services with universal coverage. This reliability is essential for real-time medical applications in healthcare, including remote patient monitoring, connected ambulances, and AR-assisted robotic surgeries, where timely and accurate data transmission is crucial.

 

In addition to reliability, 5G networks offer enhanced security compared to outdated wireless technologies. In a nutshell, 5G utilizes advanced encryption protocols, software-defined infrastructure, improved privacy protection, and a complex authentication framework, making it more secure than its predecessors. Besides protecting patients' privacy and confidentiality, these features ensure a safe and secure transmission of sensitive healthcare data.

Enhanced Capacity

 

Unlike 4G networks that only handle a limited number of connected devices per square kilometer, 5G networks can support up to 1 million connected devices. This significant improvement in capacity is crucial to sustaining a healthcare ecosystem of connected devices that require real-time transmission of large data files.

 

It is worth noting that connected ambulances require fast and reliable connectivity to support several medical staff and devices. These include paramedics, trauma center coordinators, ambulance operators, hospital staff, and patient monitoring devices. With 5G connectivity, it's easy to achieve speedy transfers of medical records and high-quality video calls and, in the process, enhance the quality of patient care.

Improved Performance

 

Reduced latency and high-resolution bandwidth are among the advantages of 5G networks, and the network achieves them by increasing data transfer speeds up to 20Gbps and lower delays. This increased network performance is vital for real-time data transfers.

 

Delays or lags could negatively impact remote consultations, making diagnosing health conditions difficult for doctors. For instance, a delay in arm movement during teleconsultation could indicate an issue with the technology's latency. Improved performance also comes into play for augmented reality-based applications in healthcare.

How 5G Is Transforming the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry

 

5G has already revealed great potential in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, with numerous use cases emerging. For example, local authorities in Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, used 5G to connect their medical gadgets and employees in real-time and on a centralized network with high-quality internet connectivity and high-speed data transfers. This invention enabled medical experts to offer the utmost patient care even amid the pandemic.

 

In Milan, which has been dubbed Europe's 5G capital, Vodafone introduced 5G-connected ambulances to enable paramedics to communicate with doctors and the emergency management center around the clock. Due to this, hospital staff could receive patient symptoms and information beforehand, allowing them to derive the treatment course before the patient's arrival.

 

The above are a few examples of the potential use cases for 5G networks in healthcare. With the ability to enable high-speed data transfers, lower latency, and save up to $94 billion for the healthcare industry by 2030, 5G is a must-have technology in the healthcare industry. Here is how 5G can transform the healthcare industry and is already making a huge difference.

Remote Patient Monitoring

 

The low latency and dependability of 5G technology are set to revolutionize the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry by enabling real-time remote patient monitoring. Experts plan to achieve this by using 5G-enabled wearables and medical devices. These devices can gather patient data to alert medical professionals about early warning signs for proactive intervention or evaluate treatments to enhance treatment outcomes.

 

This technological advancement will significantly enhance people's quality of life, particularly individuals with medical conditions and older adults. 5G allows this group to take charge of their health and monitor it from their homes. With the advent of 5G technology, the systems will need power management tools to guarantee their reliability and availability.

Facilitates Telemedicine

 

5G networks are highly beneficial for telemedicine in rural areas due to limited access to healthcare. Rural areas require a network supporting real-time, high-quality video calls without jitters or lags. The network should also support high-speed large file transfers. The large bandwidths and low latency of 5G networks can significantly improve the quality of telehealth consultations, reduce healthcare facilities' expenses, and enhance the patient's overall experience.

 

In addition, telemedicine is the best technology during pandemics because it eliminates the need for patients to visit a doctor's office. Also, it connects them with specialists and well-equipped medical facilities remotely, even in remote areas of the world.

Clinical Collaboration and Communication

 

Doctors may experience delays in diagnosis and treatment at hospitals because they often have to wait long periods to receive medical imaging and lab test results. This delay negatively impacts the patient experience, quality of care, and hospital expenses. Lack of collaboration and communication between hospital departments is to blame for these problems.

 

Fortunately, 5G technology implemented throughout the hospital can help counter these issues. 5G networks can significantly reduce wait times, allowing lab technicians to share large files quickly without compromising quality. Additionally, this network can connect medical equipment, smartphones, and PCs used by hospital employees, making data easily accessible in real time.

Augmented Reality in Healthcare

 

Augmented reality is an essential tool in healthcare, with various applications made possible by 5G technology. Using Augmented Reality (AR) in a 4G network can be problematic, as it often leads to lag times, which can cause motion sickness over lengthy periods of use. Thankfully, 5 G's high performance, bandwidth, and reliability can overcome these restrictions.

 

Some AR glasses allow paramedics to access medical records and other crucial patient handling and treatment information. For instance, if a pregnant woman is in labor, the AR glasses can offer vital information to the ambulance staff. It can improve the patient's care quality by providing the guidelines to follow en route to the hospital and the right questions to ask.

5G Connected Ambulance

 

5G connectivity allows emergency medical technicians to share patients' symptoms, medical records, and vitals with doctors in real time. Additionally, it facilitates using 4K video calls to notify doctors of the situation, allowing them to prepare accordingly. These features are useful during emergencies such as pandemics, accidents, or natural disasters.

 

The best news is that doctors can advise the ambulance team on the ideal treatment course and remotely assess the patient's status. Real-time information sharing and better use of time and resources can make ambulance handovers faster, reduce the time spent in emergency rooms, and improve the patient's overall experience.

Computer-Aided Diagnostics

 

Various medical files, such as CT scans or MRIs, are large and slow to transfer. However, with 5G, transfers can happen almost instantly, enabling doctors to diagnose patients faster and offer detailed treatment. 5G can also assist with robot-assisted remote imaging, which helps treat patients with highly infectious diseases such as coronavirus.

 

Doctors can also utilize 5G to transform MRIs into 3D holograms that can be projected onto patients during consultations with radiologists and other experts. Thanks to this invention, doctors can visualize the patient's condition more accurately and provide faster, more precise diagnoses.

Medical Sensors

 

Wearable medical devices with sensors, wireless technology, inbuilt GPS, and smartphone compatibility are increasingly popular. For instance, smartwatches can monitor several health indicators like blood oxygen, skin temperature, heart rate and rhythm, and stress. These technologies enhance engagement with healthcare and assist with remote patient care and monitoring.

 

Doctors can also use smartphone microphones and cameras to diagnose various medical conditions like melanoma, injuries, coughs, skin infections, or eye problems. Moreover, wireless sensors can help administer and monitor medication and rehabilitation.

Remote Surgery

 

Investors provided more than $1 billion in financial backing for healthcare robotics companies in 2021, indicating a promising future for completely remote surgeries using robots and 5G connectivity. The success of the world's first remote robotic surgery in Beijing in 2019 demonstrated the potential for 5G-enabled orthopedic surgery robots, with Huawei and China Telecom providing network technology for the trial.

 

In this setup, the surgeons would operate a robot that mimics their movements in person, with 5 G's high speed and low latencies facilitating the transmission of video footage to the surgeons and enabling the transmission of real-time feedback without latency. These network features allow the remotely connected surgeon to respond to feedback as fast as if performing on-site surgery.

Robot-Assisted Services

 

5G is crucial for robotic healthcare operations that can take blood samples, deliver medication, provide social care for patients, and disinfect hospital rooms. The shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) is projected to be between 200,000 and 450,000 by 2025, healthcare facilities require more automation. However, for 5G to support these healthcare use cases, devices must integrate with the latest chipsets.

Distraction and Rehabilitative Therapy

 

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology can enhance patients' experience in hospitals and clinics through distraction and rehabilitative therapy. For instance, a child can wear a headset streaming cloud-based videos or applications of their choosing in real-time to distract them during the injection.

 

Similarly, amputees can use headsets to virtually overlay the relaxation of their lost limb to relieve phantom limb pain. 5G is necessary in these cases due to its low latency and high bandwidth, which allows cloud-based applications and video streaming. Additionally, low latency can reduce lag and jitter, improving user experience and reducing nausea for VR applications.

Video Analytics for Behavioral Recognition

 

Video analytics can enhance patients' safety in hospitals, care homes, and psychiatric centers by detecting abnormal behavior, falls, or potential danger. Hosting the analytics on the cloud or edge computer is essential to avoid expensive hardware. This hosting also ensures data security and quick local data processing.

High-Definition Virtual Consultations

 

Patients and healthcare professionals use two-way high-definition (HD) videos for initial screening assessments, therapy and rehabilitation sessions, routine check-ups, and visual diagnoses. By making these appointments, patients avoid traveling and lower appointments cost. Professionals expect 5G to enable the provision of these virtual consultations at the ideal size, unlike other connectivity solutions.

5G Technology: What to Expect Now and Soon

 

Soon, 5G technology will transform the transportation industry. Automakers have developed self-driving cars, and 5G networks will enable them to communicate with each other in real time. This invention will make the roads safer and more efficient.

 

In the entertainment industry, 5G technology will create immersive and incredible experiences, such as virtual reality concerts and games. It will also make streaming high-quality content on their mobile devices easier without buffering or lag.

 

But what should you expect from 5G technology soon? You can expect even faster internet speeds and lower latency, meaning people will download and upload content rapidly. You can also expect more widespread coverage as more 5G networks are deployed globally.

 

In conclusion, 5G technology is here, and it will change the world. You can expect significant healthcare, transportation, and entertainment improvements, among other industries. And with even more progress on the horizon, the future looks bright for 5G technology.

Should Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industries Adopt 5G?

 

Yes. Healthcare data is rapidly increasing in amount and complexity, and advancements in technologies like MRI and CT scanners, wearable devices, and virtual reality technologies are some of the reasons for this growth. Healthcare and pharmaceutical industries can improve data transfer and processing by introducing 5G, multi-access edge, and cloud computing. Ultimately, this leads to numerous medical advancements, including personalized medicine, telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and spatial computing technologies.

 

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