5G is a fifth-generation wireless network technology that promises faster data transfer speeds, lower latency, and greater bandwidth. As it has very viable advantages over its predecessors, the technology is expected to revolutionize the healthcare industry. Especially in Germany where it is widespread and brings in new challenges and, most importantly, opportunities.
In this blog post, we will explore the potential of 5G in the healthcare of one of the biggest European countries, Germany, and discuss some of the challenges that must be overcome to realize its full potential.
What is 5G?
5G is the 5th generation standard for broadband cellular networks. It offers high-speed transmission of large data volumes and low latency. In addition, unlike other standards, 5G can integrate a much higher number of user devices. PwC made research about 5G use in healthcare, and from what we can see in its specification, it surpasses other wireless protocols by a wide margin.
5G specs
Sources: PwC
So if we had to make a list of potential benefits of 5G in comparison with the previous protocols we’ll definitely mention the following:
- Enhanced mobile broadband
- The data transmission rate of 10Gbit/s
- The stable connection even with high speeds
- Up to one million devices/km2
- Energy savings of up to 90%; longer battery life
- Reliable and low-latency communication
- Ultra-high reliability and availability in Germany
To sum up, other network technologies also possess some of those benefits, but they stand nowhere near the degree of 5G in offering those features.
5G value in healthcare
So we’ve established that 5G provides extra benefits in terms of capacity, bandwidth, reliability, availability, latency, and security. What are the use cases for 5G in German healthcare then?
5G can be used for telemonitoring, mass connectivity of devices in IoT, wireless application in AR/VR, real-time data transfer with emergency services, live streams of surgeries, robotics-controlled telesurgery, transport of medication organs with drones, and others.
However, despite the potential of 5G, the deployment of the technology in healthcare depends on the specific requirements of each use case. In German hospitals, few of the mentioned applications use 5G, due to the high availability requirements, specific regulation of the healthcare sector, lack of experts, lack of market transparency, and difficulty in financing.
Public 5G networks are not suitable for hospitals, which require very high standards of security, latency, and availability. While 5G is still a rarity in German healthcare, there are a few use cases where the technology has been applied, such as telemedicine, virtual reality goggles in the operating room, emergency services accessing patient records, asset tracking, and vital signs transmission via IoT sensors. During the pandemic, 5G was also used for mobile solutions, such as face mask recognition and measuring body temperature in the check-in area outside the hospital proper.
5G in German hospitals
“Robotics is a major case for 5G as latency is required, for example, to disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces in the OR”, – notices Tobias Friedrich, an account manager with Nokia.
Mr. Friedrich also admits that 5G is also helpful for teleconsultation in the hospital or radiological remote diagnostics. However, his colleague from Vodafone, Holger Maurer confirms that 5G in German healthcare is still could be used more widely:
“5G is used particularly where huge data volumes need to be transmitted – in telemedicine, for VR googles in the OR or by emergency services that have to access patient records, or need the support of hospital physicians during patient transport.” 5G is commonly used in hospitals for asset management, such as beds, and vital signs transmission via IoT sensors.
6G
This is a far cry from now, but new wireless technology is expected by 2030. The crucial differences that are predicted by Ivan Ndip, Head of the department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration are 50 times higher data rates and one-tenth of 5G latency.
While AI-based algorithms may enhance diagnostics and therapies, it’s important to note that the development of 6G technology is still in its infancy, and there are several technical challenges that need to be overcome before it becomes a reality.
Moreover, the “people” factor will play a vital role in the adoption of 6G technology. Patient and clinician acceptance will depend on factors such as ease of use, reliability, and security. but more on that later, in the challenges for 5G adoption, as they are still plenty.
Opportunities for application of 5G in German Healthcare
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring is one of the most promising applications of 5G in healthcare. With 5G, doctors can monitor patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, in real-time from a remote location. The increasing use of medical devices for remote healthcare has certainly led to a significant increase in the amount of data generated. As a result, there is a need for efficient and fast data transfer between different departments and healthcare providers.
4G or older networks may not always be sufficient to handle the large volume of data generated by these devices. In addition, the speed of data transfer can be affected by various factors such as network congestion, distance, and signal strength.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is another application of 5G that has the potential to transform healthcare in Germany. With 5G, doctors can conduct virtual consultations with patients in real time, providing medical advice and treatment without the need for in-person visits.
This is particularly useful in rural areas, where patients may not have access to healthcare facilities. In 2019, the German government launched its 5G strategy, which includes measures to promote the use of 5G technology in various industries, including healthcare. Besides, the Charité Hospital in Berlin is using 5G to develop a telemedicine platform that allows doctors to remotely monitor patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Medical Imaging
Medical imaging is an essential part of modern healthcare, and 5G can improve the accuracy and speed of image analysis. With 5G, medical images can be transmitted in real-time, enabling doctors to make faster and more accurate diagnoses. This can lead to better patient outcomes, as early detection and treatment are essential in many medical conditions.
For example, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology is using 5G to develop a remote ultrasound service that can connect patients in rural areas with radiologists in urban areas in real-time.
Contact Elinext today to learn more about how we can work together to build the future of healthcare with 5G. Our portfolio contains quite a number of telemedicine, medical imaging, and RPM projects.
Challenges of 5G in German Healthcare
Infrastructure
One of the biggest challenges of 5G in healthcare is infrastructure. 5G requires a significant amount of infrastructure, including new cell towers, fiber optic cables, and network equipment. This infrastructure must be built and maintained, which can be costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, some areas in Germany may not have access to 5G networks, limiting the potential benefits of this technology. As we’ve mentioned earlier, there is a 5G strategy for Germany. In the coalition agreement of the German Federal Government in 2021, digital infrastructure was set as one of the priorities with a goal of the nationwide supply of 5G networks by 2025.
Security
Healthcare data is highly sensitive and must be protected from cyber threats. With 5G, there is a risk that healthcare data transmitted over the network could be intercepted or compromised. Wearable IoT-5G devices, such as smartphones, smart rings, and smartwatches, are important devices as they can access the entire healthcare platform. Such lightweight devices are easily compromised, leaking secret and sensitive information
Robust security measures, such as encryption and authentication, protect healthcare data from cyber threats.
Cost
The cost of implementing 5G in healthcare is another challenge. Building and maintaining 5G infrastructure can be expensive, and the cost of implementing new technologies, such as remote patient monitoring and telemedicine, can also be significant.
Luckily, Germany has a strong healthcare system. One out of six jobs in Germany is linked to the healthcare sector, which generates an economic footprint of EUR 678.2 billion, or roughly 12 percent of Germany’s GDP. 5G adoption shouldn’t be stopped due to the high costs of German healthcare.
Conclusion
5G has the potential to transform healthcare in Germany, bringing new opportunities for remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, medical imaging, and healthcare IoT. Unparalleled networking reliability, speed, and scale potential for healthcare services make 5G one of the best standards out there. Despite quite a set of challenges, healthcare providers utilize ultra-fast broadband, low latency, and massive machine connectivity in their facilities.
The combination of 5G with other leading-edge technologies creates the opportunity to transform the way patient care is delivered. 5G serves as a catalyst for the emergence of a new healthcare ecosystem, a more connected, intelligent, and efficient one. Cutting-edge software products that handle 5G have to be designed to handle high-speed, low-latency, and high-bandwidth environments. If you need an experienced software development partner, contact us at Elinext to get in touch.
