Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS
The healthcare system is undergoing a far-reaching transformation process, which is not only expressed by the digitalization of patient files. The new mobile communications standard 5G can enable a number of new applications. Low latency of a few milliseconds, high data rates of up to several Gbit/s and high reliability are key functions that modern medical applications demand (e.g. for telemedicine) and that 5G can provide.
5G-based positioning in the interior and exterior of hospitals can also offer promising approaches for new processes and more transparency. For example, the delivery of surgical material and medication can be better predicted and, if necessary, automatically triggered. In addition, medical devices can be positioned within hospital buildings to improve their rapid availability in emergencies and protect valuable equipment against theft. In addition, chains of infection can be traced and broken more quickly, and the safety of patients who are particularly in need of protection can be increased. It is also conceivable to monitor the condition and position of vital organs being transported for transplantation, so that the staff responsible can assess when an important drug or organ arrives on the ward and whether it has been transported improperly.