Smart product-service systems in the healthcare industry: Intelligent connected products and stakeholder communication drive digital health service adoption

Sufficiency for PSS tracking gait disorders in multiple sclerosis: A managerial perspective

This study primarily aimed to explore the capabilities of digitalisation in the healthcare context, focusing on a specific disease. In this case, the study examined the potential of remote monitoring of gait to address the sensitivity of multiple sclerosis progression to gait characteristics by adopting a non-invasive approach to remotely quantify gait disturbances in a patient's daily life. To better understand the managerial aspects associated with this approach, the researchers conducted a literature review along with a set of semi-structured interviews. The target population included MS patients as well as the key agents involved in their care: patients' family members, neurologists, MS nurses, physiotherapists, medical directors, and pharmacist. The study identifies the perceived barriers and drivers that could contribute to the successful deployment of PSS remote gait monitoring as a healthcare service: i) At mega-level governance. Implications on privacy and security data are notable barriers missing on the speech. ii) At macro level, funding is highlighted as main barrier. The cost and lack of health system subsidies may render initiatives unsustainable, as emphasised by the interviewees. iii) At meso level, useable data is recognised as a driver. The data collection process can align with diverse interests to create value and business opportunities for the ecosystem actors, enhance care, attract stakeholders, such as insurers and pharma, and form partnerships. iv) At micro-level processes, we find two potential barriers: wearable device and app usability (comfort, navigation, efficiency) and organisational/behavioural aspects (training, digital affinity, skills), which are crucial for value creation in innovation ecosystems among patients and healthcare professionals. Finally, we find an interesting gap in the literature and interviews. Stakeholders' limited awareness of technological demands, especially from information technologies, for a successful long-term service, can be consider two key barriers for PSS.

An IoT-fuzzy intelligent approach for holistic management of COVID-19 patients

In this study, an internet of things (IoT)-enabled fuzzy intelligent system is introduced for the remote monitoring, diagnosis, and prescription of treatment for patients with COVID-19. The main objective of the present study is to develop an integrated tool that combines IoT and fuzzy logic to provide timely healthcare and diagnosis within a smart framework. This system tracks patients' health by utilizing an Arduino microcontroller, a small and affordable computer that reads data from various sensors, to gather data. Once collected, the data are processed, analyzed, and transmitted to a web page for remote access via an IoT-compatible Wi-Fi module. In cases of emergencies, such as abnormal blood pressure, cardiac issues, glucose levels, or temperature, immediate action can be taken to monitor the health of critical COVID-19 patients in isolation. The system employs fuzzy logic to recommend medical treatments for patients. Sudden changes in these medical conditions are remotely reported through a web page to healthcare providers, relatives, or friends. This intelligent system assists healthcare professionals in making informed decisions based on the patient's condition.

Role of smart technologies for implementing industry 4.0 environment in product lifetime extension towards circular economy: A qualitative research

Since sustainability has grown in prominence over the past two decades, the impetus for improving the lifetime of durable and semi-durable manufactured goods has never been stronger. In order to decrease the level of natural resources extraction, as well as the increasing amounts of residuals and solid waste, product lifetime extension (PLE) strategies, such as improved design, maintenance, redistribution, access, and recovery, show great potential, especially if paired with smart technologies in the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) environment. Much research has investigated the contribution of I4.0 technologies to sustainability and the circular economy. Yet, only a few studies have focused on exploring the contribution of smart technologies to the specific area of PLE. This paper advances knowledge regarding the impact of four specific types of smart technologies on PLE strategies: Additive Manufacturing, the Internet of Things, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence. This study consists of exploratory qualitative research to explore the mechanism underlying the implementation of these I4.0 technologies in PLE for a circular economy. Qualitative data is collected through twenty semi-directed, in-depth interviews with business leaders and executives involved in product development and research and development (R&D) in Quebec, Canada. An analytical approach parented to grounded theory and consisting of open, axial, and selective coding led to identifying four emerging themes explaining how focal smart technologies contribute to PLE. These include (1) empowerment and acceleration of R&D (improvement of prototypes, prototype validation), (2) smarter production (tooling assistance, manufacturing assistance), (3) automation of managerial and operational processes (automation of management, automation of production), and (4) help with decision-making (anticipation, identification, and solving of problems). These findings have broad relevance for sustainability theory and practice by highlighting the specific mechanisms through which technology contributes to product sustainability.