Integration of Embedded Systems in Healthcare Monitoring: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

We are at the dawn of a new healthcare landscape, where old and tried tech
nology is being revolutionized and new, cutting edge technology that promis
es to change the way patient care, diagnostics and treatment methodologies 
are developed and delivered are being integrated. Embedded systems are 
the ones at the forefront of this technological renaissance, immensely spe
cialized computing devices developed to perform dedicated functions within 
large medical equipment and devices. But these highly sophisticated systems – comprising both hardware and software components – are redefining the 
very fabric of healthcare delivery, delivering unprecedented opportunities 
for better patient monitoring, more accurate diagnostics and more personal
ized treatment. In tandem with that, we start to uncover the extensive role 
embedded systems play in the healthcare domain, from transforming diag
nostics and monitoring to enabling remote patient care to enabling precise 
surgical practice. Additionally, we will also explore the difficulties associated 
when these technologies are deployed in a healthcare setting and what the 
exciting emerging trends are that will continue to reshape the medical arena.