Why digital needs to come first in modern medical devices

Bhoopathi Rapolu, Cyient explains why manufacturers need to create digital-first devices for modern healthcare.

According to Gartner, there will be over 20 billion connected devices globally by 2020 – the Internet of Things is increasingly impacting our lives, professionally and personally. The proliferation of connectivity among both medical and personal health tracking devices is leading to an explosion in data. This is opening up possibilities for device manufacturers to embed artificial intelligence (AI) into equipment. Medical devices and fitness trackers collect terabytes of data every day – monitoring heart rate, steps, calories burned and blood pressure etc – most of which goes unused. However, the application of advanced analytics and AI on healthcare data has far-reaching implications for the industry.

Manufacturers are looking at new methods to process this data. Traditionally, it has been processed in the cloud, but as the volume has increased, so too has the challenge of shifting it all to a remote server, analysing it and returning the actionable information back to the device. New methodologies, such as edge computing, are coming to the fore.

The rise of edge computing

Many devices now have the computational power to process more data and adapt performance accordingly. This is based on one of the multitude of sensors on a device generating data, which is subsequently processed via a complex series of algorithm. These can make predictions about the device and recommendations to improve its performance; otherwise known as embedded intelligence.

Using edge computing, only the most insightful, actionable data is shipped to the cloud, freeing up a huge amount of capacity and improving efficiencies. Equipment vendors can use edge computing to crunch the most meaningful information and apply the intelligence to enhance device development, resulting in better patient care.

Here are my six principles for designing connected medical equipment that supports embedded intelligence:

Software-defined

Most of the manual functionality we had in medical devices– switches, buttons and dials, for instance – is now being replaced with software. Software-defined devices require less maintenance, enabling routine checks and updates can be undertaken quickly for minimal outlay.

Autonomy

We can make systems automonous by incorporating remote monitoring and self-learning capabilities. By introducing autonomy, medical devices will be able to monitor themselves and self-heal if they develop problems, removing the need for any user intervention.

Efficiency

Improving the performance and efficiency of products in an aesthetic way has been a driver for designers. We can now take it a step further by using the capabilities afforded by IoT and AI. While the IoT allows us to generate the right data from the systems, AI can be used to make sense out of that data and generate actionable insights. This design is the first step towards building intelligent medical equipment.

Monitor and report

Whether it’s a heart monitor, MRI machine or fitness tracker, there needs to be monitoring. This enables each device or application to report back to the equipment vendor on its performance levels, and in response helps them to redesign, improve or fix. This also creates scope for interoperability between devices.

Enable remote control

While monitoring is one-way, remote control creates a bilateral flow of information and recommended actions between the manufacturer and the device. This enables equipment manufacturers to act quickly if their product develops an issue, by deploying software to clear bugs. This will require a change in the way that products are designed, shifting the emphasis from user feedback to tangible device performance statistics.

Optimise for new business opportunities

Connected equipment can unlock business opportunities. By paying more attention to product design, the data devices generate may allow companies to build new offerings such as remote service software, sell data to selected third parties, or combine data with other systems to create a more comprehensive, valuable package.

Design optimisation like this enables manufacturers to alter medical equipment through remote action and to provide an ever-improving user experience. With improved customer service, manufacturers can begin to identify new business opportunities.

The connected medical equipment of tomorrow will have embedded intelligence at its heart, enabling clinicians to benefit from improved devices and offer better patient care. It’s critical, that equipment manufacturers look closely at design to remain competitive and create digital-first devices for modern healthcare.