According to estimates, the value of IoHT will top US$163 billion by 2020, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 38.1 percent between 2015 and 2020.[1] Within the next five years the healthcare sector is projected to be #1 in the top 10 industries for Internet of Things app development.[2]

What is Internet of Health Things?

Internet of Health Things (IoHT) is the integration of the physical and digital worlds through objects with network connectivity in the healthcare industry. IoHT transforms raw data in simple, actionable information and communicates with other objects, machines or people. IoHT can be leveraged to improve access to health, quality of care, consumer experience and operational efficiency 

Source: Accenture Report

Source: Accenture Report

The report lists four major takeaways for the payors and providers: 

The Time is Now

Despite challenges with security and privacy, inaction is not an option. There are players outside of traditional healthcare organizations looking at these same industry challenges and considering ways to capture the opportunity. If providers and payers do not invest in demonstrating IoHT value now, they risk losing out to non-traditional players. Going forward, providers and payers must identify parts of the business where IoHT solutions may be applied to do things differently—and do different things to grow in the long-term.

Measure and Build on Successes

Providers and payers have already demonstrated value through IoHT—but they need to continue investments to better understand where programs are successful to prepare for future scaling. They need to measure effectiveness beyond the technology and then build on those areas of effectiveness quickly to offer value across the business. By demonstrating the benefits and best practices, providers and payers can strengthen business cases, encourage adoption and drive interoperability.

Put consumers First

Providers and payers must continue to incorporate IoHT solutions that drive better experiences and healthier patient outcomes, along with key medical and administrative cost savings initiatives. IoHT solutions offer the seamless collection of patient-generated health data, enabling providers and payers to provide more convenient, personalized and effective care. They must train their workforces to make IoHT a part of the “new normal.”

Form Nimble Partnerships

Technology and innovation partners can help payers and providers quickly test and learn how IoHT can drive business value to inform future scaling requirements. Strategy and change management partners can help to integrate these new technologies into their workflow, culture and training. 

Key Findings of the Survey

• 73% consider IoHT to be a major change, and consider IoHT to be a major disruptor in three years. 
• however, 49% say the leadership at these organisations are yet to understand the potential of IoHT. 
• As IT investments are going up so are the IoHT investments seeing to become a major budget line item.
• Healthcare providers and payors are investing in IoHT in three areas of their businesses – RPM, wellness and operations. And these organisations are reporting real benefits from the initial programs.
• While 57 percent of healthcare organizations surveyed say that their IT departments lead the IoHT charge, 26 percent say their research and development (R&D) divisions are leading their IoHT efforts and one in ten organizations even have dedicated IoHT subsidiaries or business units.
• RPM Based IoHT: 33% of PROVIDERS report extensive operational cost savings from their RPM IoHT programs. 42% of PAYERS report extensive medical cost savings from their RPM IoHT programs. 
• The majority of both providers’ (76%) and payers’(75%) RPM IoHT investments are focused on cardiac conditions. Interestingly, in the past, behavioral health has not received investment at similar levels to traditional high-cost areas such as cardiac, but the spotlight appears to now be shining on this area. Mental health, including behavioral health, is a relatively high priority for both providers (48 percent) and payers (55 percent)

And there you go, its fairly simple and we look forward to you sharing your experiences with our community of readers. We appreciate you considering sharing your knowledge via The HCITExpert Blog