INDUSTRY FOCUS MEDICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL OVERCOMING CONNECTIVITY CH
The global home medical equipment market is experiencing explosive growth, with smart devices being used to monitor and treat patients
suffering from diabetes, cardiac disorders, and other medical conditions. But with connectivity technology crucial in such devices, Ohad Peled, product marketing manager at Sony Semiconductor Israel, evaluates the options
promoting self-health management to give patients better outcomes. This trend leverages digital technology
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to benefit hospitals and medical facilities by enabling cost-effective remote patient monitoring. Rather than requiring frequent hospital visits, healthcare professionals can monitor health data from a distance, bringing patients in only when necessary. The underlying connectivity technology in these devices is crucial, and has a long- reaching impact on the quality of care.
TRANSMITTING DATA Devices have several options for transmitting data: some use wi-fi, others connect through the patient’s smartphone over Bluetooth, while others connect directly to cellular networks. Each of these methods has advantages and
limitations in terms of cost, reliability, simplicity, or other features defining the quality of the product. In this article, we’ll evaluate and review the different connectivity options in three key functional elements of a remote patient monitoring device to see which technology offers the most benefit to its users.
ONBOARDING AND INSTALLING A DEVICE Medical devices can be challenging to set up, often requiring professional assistance, to ensure that the device is calibrated to the patient’s needs. For devices that connect over Wi-Fi, the patient is responsible for connecting their device to their home network. This can be tricky for some patients, especially given that many patients are seniors, in poor health, or not tech savvy. Many rely on set-up instructions that can be difficult to follow, making this option less ideal for some users. Bluetooth is a simpler connection process
using familiar tools. However, this isn’t a direct cloud setup and requires a nearby smartphone to transmit data. A 2022 Pew Research study found that only 61% of Americans over 65 had a smartphone, severely limiting its accessibility for seniors. Cellular technology operates on existing,
public infrastructure. It eliminates the need for complex configurations or smartphone ownership. It provides out-of-the-box connectivity, and supports continuous data streams for remote monitoring. Devices with cellular connectivity are by nature ‘instantly
24 DESIGN SOLUTIONS MARCH 2025
umerous organisations, including the World Health Organisation and the National Council of Aging, are
options – they rely on additional devices, such as Bluetooth gateways or smartphones, to transfer data. This dependency can limit convenience and access. Furthermore, non-cellular technologies face constraints with data size and communication range, which can compromise reliability in certain healthcare scenarios. The company developed a retrofittable
connectivity module that enables the devices to connect over cellular. The cellular connectivity provides a direct, always-on, link for these medical devices, enabling more consistent and reliable data transmission without needing an intermediary device. This benefit makes cellular connectivity particularly advantageous for critical health monitoring applications. Moreover, these cellular-enabled devices often feature single button press operation, making them incredibly user-friendly, especially for patients who may be less tech-savvy or in distress.
connected’, requiring no setup from the user. This zero-touch configuration means that patients can start using the device immediately upon receiving it, without any technical knowledge or assistance required.
EXAMPLES AND CHALLENGES A colleague with a suspected cardiac condition was given a mobile ECG to monitor his heart and transmit readings to the medical service centre. However, the patient struggled to pair the device with his smartphone, and critical data was lost. Fortunately, the colleague was OK, and the result of his technical issues was insignificant, but for patients with a medical issue, connectivity challenges can be a life or death issue. Some companies are pioneering connectivity solutions to support critical medical devices. For example, one medical device developer recognised the issues patients have with Bluetooth for their insulin monitors and standard auto-injectors. User studies revealed significant challenges with non-cellular
HEALTHCARE ISSUES Different medical conditions require varying levels of monitoring. For example, a glucose meter can take periodic checks and transmit data on a daily basis. A wearable ECG monitor, on the other hand, might require constant connectivity, allowing it to send real-time data to healthcare personnel who are continually monitoring their condition. Yet, even relatively minor medical conditions
can benefit from the simple, reliable, connectivity afforded by cellular technology. Devices like smart inhalers or remote oxygen sensors benefit from consistent monitoring, where uninterrupted data flow via cellular might be more essential. Wi-Fi connections, though generally reliable, can be disrupted by power failures, misconfigurations, or interference from other devices. Cellular technology offers consistent connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted data flow.
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