Applications and benefits

As the NHS key statistics: England House of Commons Library reports highlight, waiting lists, A&E admissions, cancer treatment, hospital admissions, ambulance wait times and bed capacity are all showing negative trends that demonstrate the stress on capacity and performance in the NHS.

The use of different models of treatment, pathways and applications that help to provide further capacity, efficiency and throughput into the system are critical to reversing these trends.

The use of wirelessly connected applications further delivers a better patient experience and outcomes by reducing travel and missed appointments, and infection and functional decline from hospital stays. Whilst not applicable for all patients, the appropriate use of these solutions is vital in reversing these trends.

One of the most prominent applications of wireless technology in healthcare is remote patient monitoring (RPM). RPM utilising wearable devices with wireless connectivity enables the continuous tracking of vital signs, blood sugar levels, medication adherence, and other important health observtions.

This real-time data transmission, that can be integrated with patient records, empowers NHS providers to remotely monitor patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, COPD and cardiovascular diseases, facilitating early intervention and personalised care plans.

Remote diagnostic tools facilitated by wireless communication, have emerged as invaluable tools for extending healthcare services beyond traditional clinical settings, especially in rural locations. Examples of colon endoscopy pill cameras are seeking to reduce colon cancer diagnosis by delivering a home based solutions to collect internal patient imaging and upload to clinical data systems wirelessly where AI and other detection tools can help to diagnose colon cancers early.  30k people die each year from late diagnosis of colon cancer and the UK wide waiting list is currently ½ million people, so the benefits of rolling out these sorts of remote diagnostic solution are critical to reducing diagnostic waiting lists.

Wireless technology has changed medical data management, offering seamless accessibility of electronic patient records (EPRs) both inside and outside NHS settings, see Connectivity for peripatetic health care workers. EPR systems facilitate the secure exchange of patient information among healthcare providers, enhancing care coordination and patient safety. Real-time access to comprehensive medical records empowers clinicians to make informed decisions and deliver more effective care.

Wireless technology plays a pivotal role in optimising operational efficiency and resource utilisation within NHS facilities. Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) systems, leveraging wireless connectivity, enable real-time monitoring of medical equipment. By tracking the location and status of assets, healthcare organisations can ensure their availability when needed, minimise maintenance downtime and improve resource allocation.

For further detail of RTLS solutions in health see An introduction to Real Time Location Systems,

Patient flow management systems, supported by wireless communication, offer another avenue for enhancing operational efficiency in healthcare settings. Wireless-enabled patient flow solutions can optimise scheduling, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall patient experience. By leveraging wireless technology to monitor and manage patient throughput, healthcare facilities can improve throughput efficiency and enhance patient satisfaction.

The correct management of health estate environments is critical:

• regulatory compliance
• patient, visitor, and staff well-being
• energy management to reduce environmental impact

A wide number of options and competing technologies exist for infrastructure to underpin building management.  Wireless technologies, particularly low power versions have provided an additional benefit of allowing rapid deployment with less disruption than wired sensor counterparts  Read An introduction to Internet of Things in health.

In addition to a network of sensors, other technologies, such as AI, machine learning, automation and digital twins are rapidly providing capabilities and opportunities for IT and Estates teams to collaborate and combine use of wireless networks and unified networking strategies to maximise benefits achieved from these systems.

Wireless technology has emerged as a cornerstone of healthcare delivery, driving innovations in patient care, medical data management and operational efficiency. By facilitating remote patient monitoring, remote diagnostics, seamless sharing of health records and optimising operational workflows, various wireless technologies hold immense promise for advancing healthcare outcomes and improving access to quality care.

As research and technological advancements continue to unfold, resolving tech debt and leveraging the right wireless solutions will be vital in addressing current healthcare challenges.