Wearable technology has come a long way and now has made a major impact in various sectors of the healthcare industry, which includes IV infusion therapy. Traditionally speaking, this procedure metaphorically and literally tethered the patient to bulky hospital equipment. However, with advancements in medical technology, smart IV infusion pumps and portable IV infusion devices have been introduced. These make tracking and administering IV therapy extremely convenient. Let’s explore them further.

What Makes an IV Infusion Device “Smart”?

A smart device, by definition, makes any job easier for us humans. Smart IV infusion pumps do the same thing by automating tasks like dosing, keeping safety protocols in check, and allowing for remote monitoring. This greatly reduces the burden on human resources and the chances of human error. This ends up saving both the patient and hospital money and time.

For some added safety. These devices can detect occlusions, air bubbles, or incorrect dosage settings. This makes seeking treatment accessible outside clinical settings without compromising on treatment outcome.

The Rise of Portable IV Infusion Devices

Healthcare isn’t cheap, and regularly visiting the hospital is hardly sustainable for the majority of people out there. However, with portable IV infusion devices, patients who require treatment but want to maintain their daily routine can do so while managing chronic illnesses, receiving hydration therapy, or undergoing antibiotic treatments. Here are some of its advantages:

• Reduction in hospital visits.
• Patients can move freely while receiving treatment and aren’t relegated to the hospital bed.
• Fewer visits to and stays in the hospital result in lower medical expenses and less burden on the healthcare staff.

Importance of Remote Monitoring for At-Home Treatments

The pandemic revealed a ton of flaws in our healthcare system. One of them was the ability to provide patients with home-based care and treatment remotely. It is possible, and sometimes inconvenient to visit the hospital, especially for those in rural areas.

Portable IV infusion devices can greatly reduce the need for in-person visits, and they allow for real-time data sharing, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions without actually needing to see the patient.

Types of Wearable IV Infusion Devices

Alas, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why multiple types of wearable IV infusion devices exist. Each is designed for the specific medical needs of patients. Here are some of the most common types:

• Elastomeric Pumps: Often affectionately referred to as the balloon pump since it resembles one, this portable device has an elastic reservoir that administers medication in a controlled yet continuous flow. It is mostly used for treatments like pain relief, chemotherapy, and antibiotic delivery. Since it does not require batteries or any electronics, it is highly portable, easy to use, and can be taken anywhere, making it especially useful in remote areas.
• Smart Infusion Pumps: In sheer contrast to elastomeric pumps, these high-tech devices come with digital controls, safety alarms, and wireless connectivity for remote monitoring. They are used for delivering dosages where precision is of the utmost priority. Since they can be programmed to deliver exact dosages, the risk of medication errors is significantly reduced.
• Ambulatory Infusion Pumps: A major issue with long-term therapies is the feeling of being stuck in one place that looms over the patient. Ambulatory infusion pumps are lightweight, battery-powered, and designed to let patients move freely while receiving their therapy. Whether it’s insulin for diabetes or total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for other chronic conditions, these pumps give patients the freedom to live their lives without interruption.

What Lies in the Future: Smart Infusion Systems

Similar to every other field in the world, artificial intelligence is going to play a major role in the IV infusion therapy sector by predicting patient needs and adjusting dosages and flow rates automatically. This will, again, significantly reduce the chances of errors and improve overall treatment. It can also provide reports, using which doctors can personalise treatment plans further. Research is also ongoing to find new materials and designs to make these devices even lighter.

Conclusion

Wearable technology is helping IV infusion therapy move onto the next phase, where it becomes an extremely convenient procedure. From smart IV infusion pumps to portable IV infusion devices, these innovations are prioritising the comfort of both the patient and the staff, all the while improving the treatment steps.