Connectivity upgrades systems to improve patient care
May 1, 2023
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The rapid growth of 5G-enabled telehealth and telemedicine is changing the healthcare landscape in ways that benefit patients by connecting providers and stakeholders across the medical infrastructure. 5G-connected hospitals allow medical professionals to securely share information in real time, troubleshoot equipment issues, and provide patients who are not in need of surgery, ICU, or emergency care with at-home care. Qualcomm Connected Healthcare is powering the growth of telehealth and telemedicine by collaborating with leading healthcare companies on technologies to promote accessibility and cost-effective solutions.
Virtual visits and real-time monitoring
The increased bandwidth and low latency of 5G connectivity is bringing doctors and patients together virtually. Patients who live far from a medical facility or who have challenges that prevent an in-person visit can access quality care wherever they are, via high-resolution video and images. Virtual check-ups and on-demand screenings provide a more integrated approach to care, and real-time patient monitoring that sends critical data to the provider can make a significant impact on patient care.
Rapid sharing of data files
A 5G network can reduce the time it takes to transmit extremely large files between doctors and hospitals. Faster data delivery can lead to more timely diagnostics and second opinions, and treatments can start sooner and be adjusted as needed. The physician can be in the hospital, office or at home – 5G delivers.
VR and AR for remote diagnostics
The clinician back in the hospital asks the paramedic in the ambulance to point their VR headset so the clinician can see the patient’s injury. Medical students wear VR and AR headsets to learn about the physiology of the heart, whether they are at home or at school. 5G technology-enabled virtual reality learning also lets students learn to perform step-by-step procedures and skills, and practice interacting with patients. The technology can also save costs compared with in-person, physical interactions.
5G technology offers opportunities for medical manufacturers, hospital administrators, public health services and care providers to take a collaborative approach with flexible, cost-effective solutions for improving care.
“We will have the capacity to allow VA’s best physicians to consult during surgery even if they are not in the same room or are halfway across the country.”
Robert Wilkie, Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
