5G in Healthcare: From COVID-19 to Future Challenges.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare technology
• Telemedicine
• Network infrastructure

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of infections and deaths globally, including healthcare workers.
• This necessitated innovative solutions to enhance healthcare delivery and patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact and applications of 5G networking in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To explore future potential of 5G in medical applications and identify implementation challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of 5G applications in healthcare relevant to COVID-19.
• Analysis of 5G's role in diagnosis, patient monitoring, contact tracing, and surgical procedures.

Main Results:

• 5G facilitated large data exchange in hospitals and real-time contact tracing.
• Low latency of 5G enhanced robot-assisted tele-ultrasound and telementoring in surgery.
• Feasibility of 5G telesurgery demonstrated, though with limited patient studies.

Conclusions:

• 5G technology shows significant promise for advancing healthcare, particularly in remote diagnostics and treatment.
• Future applications include elderly surveillance and nano-oncology via the Internet of Nano Things (IoNT).
• Addressing infrastructure, security, privacy, and user training is crucial for clinical adoption.