“Always-on technologies empower us to take control of our own well-being, altering the way we engage with healthcare infrastructure at the DNA level.”
One should probably expect the vice president of R&D Innovation at one of the more prominent Big Pharma corporations to wax enthusiastic about the emerging benefits of AI and other technologies being applied to healthcare. But in a recent commentary, GlaxoSmithKline’s Ian Marks nicely lays out the emerging intersection between digital technology, the home and healthcare.
Put succinctly, he says, “In the near future, smart homes will be primary care.”
For example, he suggests, “One-third of smart homes will be equipped with health-related tech as more devices gain connectivity in five to 10 years. The elderly and people with disabilities particularly benefit from smart-homes' ongoing monitoring. Individuals with dementia, chronic pain or mobility difficulties can now stay independent in homes that adapt to their needs. Wearable devices, activity detection, sleep and environment monitoring, online physician consultations and more make real-time monitoring significantly more effective. Without even the touch of a button, loved ones or emergency care can be alerted when help could be needed.”
Where things get even more interesting, as well as much more “futuristic” sounding, is when Marks turns to the uses for virtual reality in the home of the future. His examples include the “experiential content” that will remind parents and families of necessities such as vaccination needs, personal hygiene and healthy habits.
Moreover, “mental health patients can access high-quality therapy in familiar and comfortable surroundings, (and) (i)njured high school athletes will find VR physiotherapy engaging and noninvasive, thanks to their digital fluency, and the headset may speed recovery by encouraging self-regulated rehabilitation.”
Not surprisingly, Marks points to what he considers the “strong business case” to be made for pursuing the development of the connected home. He starts by citing projections around the growth of the devices market, but he quickly incorporates an understanding of the efficiencies an overall transformation would bring to society.
“Connected homes can also help hospitals increase efficiency, prioritizing cases based on urgency and freeing-up beds,” he explains. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of the nation's $3.3 trillion annual healthcare expenditure is spent on individuals with chronic and mental health conditions. These patients, with a history of being in and out of hospitals, will finally be able to recuperate where they are most comfortable — at home, helping hospitals save on monitoring and rehabilitation expenses.”
None of this will happen with just “the push of a button,” Marks observes. “(D)ata, technology and ethics issues must be solved before the full benefits of smart homes can be felt by residents and communities.”
Still, he doesn’t doubt that the effort will be worth it. “A future society with connected homes will save lives and money, increase productivity and augment the capacity of our healthcare system. That vision is clear, and it is within our grasp.”