5G in healthcare: how fast will be the transformation?

Ir J Med Sci. 2021 May;190(2):497-501. doi: 10.1007/s11845-020-02329-w. Epub 2020 Jul 31.

Abstract

The 5G technology, with its low latency, high speed, enhanced high-resolution bandwidth, superior reliability, and less energy consumption, is bound to transform telemedicine and the healthcare industry as a whole. This next-generation wireless networking technology has many far-reaching implications in both preventive and therapeutic care of the patients. Remote monitoring of patients is possible with wearables facilitated by robust sensors coupled to 5G network. Virtual patient consultation; augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)-based simulated surgeries; artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotic surgeries; real-time maintenance of ambulances and other medical devices; and dynamic huge data repository are some of the other applications of 5G technology in the health sector.

Keywords: 5G; Internet of Medical Things; Telehealth; Telemedicine; Wearable medical devices.

MeSH terms

  • Health Facilities / standards*
  • Humans
  • Internet / standards*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / standards*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Telemedicine / standards*