With the foundation of Private 5G SA Networks, the Hola 5G Oulu project potentially drives cost savings, and efficiency gains across the healthcare sector. The potentials are endless, ranging from enhanced connectivity to significant economic impacts. This is a crucial step towards a more agile, and cost-effective, benefitting both patients and healthcare professionals.
Economic Impacts
The deployment of Hola 5G Oulu in Oulu University Hospital’s healthcare system is expected to generate positive effects financially. Beyond the direct investment in infrastructure and technology, the economy will benefit in several key areas:
- Attracting Investment: Oulu’s pioneering spirit in adopting Private 5G SA technology positions it as an attractive destination for businesses seeking to develop and deploy cutting-edge healthcare solutions. This will boost the local economy and solidify Oulu’s reputation as a leader in digital health.
- Enhanced Research and Development: Hola 5G Oulu provides powerful technologies for healthcare research and development. The high-speed, low-latency network enables researchers to explore new applications for remote patient monitoring, and AI-powered diagnostics, leading to breakthroughs that can improve patient care and drive economic growth.
Cost Savings: Streamlining Healthcare Operations
The efficiency enabled by Hola 5G Oulu are projected to convert into significant cost savings for the healthcare system:
- Reduced Hospital Administrative Duties: Remote patient monitoring, facilitated by Private 5G SA Networks, allows healthcare providers to track patients’ conditions in real-time, enabling timely actions. This will possibly result in lower healthcare costs and improved patient outcomes.
- Optimized Resource Allocation: 5G-enabled data analytics can provide insights into patient flow, resource utilization, and operational efficiency.1 This information can be used to optimize resource allocation, reduce waste, and improve the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.2
Efficiency Gains: Transforming Healthcare Delivery
Beyond cost savings, Hola 5G Oulu will significantly improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery:
- Faster Diagnosis and Treatment: Private 5G SA’s high bandwidth enables the rapid transfer of medical images and data, and seamless handover(switching of network when moving between locations), facilitating faster communication, diagnosis and treatment.1 This can be crucial in emergency situations and for time-sensitive conditions.
- Improved Collaboration: Private 5G SA facilitates seamless communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals, enabling them to share information and expertise quickly and efficiently.
Hola 5G Oulu represents a transformative opportunity for the healthcare system and the local economy. By driving cost savings, improving efficiency, and nurturing innovation, this project will create a healthier and more prosperous future for the community. Oulu University Hospital ‘s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology positions it at the forefront of digital health, paving the way for a new era of patient care and economic growth. The project serves as a compelling example of how 5G technology can be leveraged to address critical challenges in healthcare and create a more sustainable healthcare system for all.
1. Elendu C, Elendu TC, Elendu ID., 2024 5G-enabled smart hospitals: Innovations in patient care and facility management. Medicine (Baltimore), PMCID: PMC11098186.
2. Tenovi, 2024, The Role and 7 Benefits of Using an RPM Data Aggregation Company. Accessed here.
About Hola 5G Oulu:
Hola 5G Oulu is a pioneering initiative led by Boldyn Networks, in collaboration with WICOAR Technologies, Oulu University Hospital, Pohde and the University of Oulu. The project aims to leverage 5G technology and wearable solutions to enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and empower healthcare professionals. See more about the project here.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Eu