As an influencer and analyst passionate about the innovative intersection of technology and healthcare, Evan Kirstel, Chief Digital Evangelist and Co-Founder of EViRaI will discuss an amazing development that is transforming our healthcare experience: the introduction and implementation of 5G networks within hospitals. This is not some distant dream or science fiction fantasy, but something that is happening right here, right now.
What is 5G?
Before we get into the depths of this exciting revolution, let’s briefly touch on what 5G is for those who are unfamiliar with the term. 5G stands for fifth generation wireless technology. It promises faster data speeds, lower latency (that is, less delay in data transfer), and improved connectivity. When most of us hear “5G,” we think of super-fast downloads, high-definition streaming, and super-fast internet browsing. But the impact of 5G extends far beyond smartphones to an area where it can literally save lives: hospitals.
The power of 5G in healthcare
Now you may be asking, “Why do we need 5G in healthcare?”The answer isn’t just there
It’s not just the speed that 5G offers, but also its capacity and latency. With 5G, we’re talking about networks that can handle a large number of devices in less than 1 millisecond, compared to around 70 milliseconds of latency on 4G networks. This means 5G will be a game-changer for healthcare, enabling the development of “smart” hospitals, facilitating remote telesurgery, and giving doctors the ability to monitor patients from the moment they walk in the door thanks to wearable devices and sensors. You will be able to receive patient vital information and medical history.
The potential of 5G in healthcare is enormous. As the U.S. healthcare system embraces more personalized medicine, it opens the door to faster and more accurate diagnosis and enables the sharing of vast amounts of genomic data. Additionally, it promises to facilitate further increases in telemedicine, accelerate the adoption of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, and enable the explosion of internet-connected devices known as the Internet of Things (IoT). I am.
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the future is here
Although we are only at the beginning of the 5G journey, the adoption of 5G-enabled devices is expected to accelerate rapidly. This is not just a hypothesis, but a reality that is already taking shape. Cleveland Clinic is preparing to launch its first fully 5G-enabled facility this summer. Built from the ground up with 5G, this facility will serve as a platform to launch new ideas and innovations in healthcare technology.
Practice the magic of 5G
Let’s take a moment to imagine the possibilities this technology offers. Imagine if your doctor could see the underlying layers of your skin before the first incision is made. This has never been approved before because 4G technology cannot transmit that much information. Now, with 5G, we are entering a new era of precision and efficiency, one that will enable telemedicine, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and a further explosion in connected devices (the Internet of Things). is.
Imagine a patient in a rural area with few health care providers receiving emergency surgery from a doctor in another part of the country using on-site robotic tools and a customized internet connection. This is her transformative power of 5G in healthcare. We can make healthcare more accessible and efficient wherever you are.
But it’s not just a problem for patients in hospitals. Patients being transported by ambulance can be examined using ultrasound for internal bleeding, and the results are securely transmitted directly to the doctor before arrival. Hospitalized patients can move more freely and return home with less hassle thanks to remote monitoring devices. This frees you from being tied to a specific area of the building and allows you to focus on patient care rather than logistics. In other words, distance becomes less important.
Adopted all over the world
The US is not alone in adopting 5G in healthcare. Globally, his 5G revolution in medical practice is gaining momentum. For example, China boasts the world’s first 5G medical private network and announced in 2019 that it would become the standard going forward. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company built 20 cabin hospitals fully 5G-enabled, demonstrating the potential of 5G to address urgent medical needs and crises.
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overcome challenges
Despite the huge potential of 5G in healthcare, the path to full implementation is not without its challenges. One of the big hurdles is bringing his 5G to older hospital buildings that weren’t designed for 5G. 5G signals are easily blocked by common objects, such as the thick concrete walls found in many older hospital buildings. Additionally, while 5G technology is now available almost everywhere in the country, it is not yet available at the fastest capacity in every building.
Additionally, not everyone in the healthcare industry fully understands the importance of 5G or even knows what it can do. Estimates suggest that about 20% of U.S. hospitals are adding 5G connectivity, but few are making full use of that capacity. This highlights the need for more knowledge about how 5G can help realize the future and deliver care in an ideal way. However, as awareness and understanding grow, it is expected that within five years most healthcare organizations will recognize that 5G is the best choice.
How to do 5G
The potential of 5G to revolutionize healthcare delivery cannot be overstated. There will certainly be challenges along the way, but there is no doubt that the future is exciting. Switching to 5G is not just a technology upgrade, but a step toward a world where healthcare is more efficient, personalized, and accessible.
Here’s a look at the 5G revolution in healthcare. It doesn’t just come, it’s here. I can’t wait to see what this new era of technology-enabled healthcare has in store for us.
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5G details
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