Edge computing has the potential to transform hospitals and help medical staff in multiple ways, along with 5G, to give patients the best medical attention and treatment. According to Jack Fritz, a leader of the 5G and edge computing practice at Deloitte Consulting LLP, “edge computing is the ability to push data and processing closer to the entity that is using the information, such as a medical device, fitness trackers, drone, or computer.” This is very beneficial for hospitals, especially in urgent situations where faster data processing closer to the source is essential.
One significant way that edge computing and 5G can assist medical staff and patients is in the realm of telemedicine and out-patient monitoring. This is particularly crucial since the pandemic, as telemedicine has become a more convenient option for patients who are unable to go to their doctor’s appointments in person. Edge computing helps by allowing for faster transmission of data, such as medical records, thus providing better and quicker results for patients. Furthermore, it enables the connection of multiple devices wirelessly without quality concerns, as well as the ability to harness and analyze data more quickly in a secure manner.
Additionally, in-patient monitoring and emergency care are also areas where edge computing and 5G can provide valuable support. For example, they can speed up the diagnosis process in emergency situations and even implement treatment of patients via telemedicine before they are transported to the hospital. In-patient monitoring can also benefit from 5G by enabling a digital window into patients’ rooms using computer vision technology and smart cameras, thus allowing nurses to prioritize patients who need more immediate care.
Overall, edge computing and 5G offer significant advantages to the healthcare industry. However, concerns about cybersecurity need to be addressed, as health care is a major target for cybercrime. Data encryption is suggested as a means to deter cybercrime, while also implementing the right security measures to protect sensitive information.
