Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) solutions are gearing up to save the healthcare industry $25 billion in 2012 by reducing hospitalizations and extending independent living for seniors, according to a recent study by ON World.

"With a clear return on investment and high average revenue per user, healthcare is one of the most funded research areas for WSN, says Mareca Hatler, ON World's director of research. "There are literally dozens of healthcare WSN "killer apps" for outpatient monitoring, chronic disease management, and elderly care."

In 2007, life-saving systems such as ambulatory cardiac monitoring made up the lion's share of the revenues. However, over the next decade the fastest growing WSN markets will be preventive health and wellness solutions. Governments and industry are working together and investing in technologies such as WSN to address the global $4 trillion dollar healthcare market that is expected to double over the next decade.

Two of the most promising healthcare WSN solution areas are the following:

Ambient Assisted Living: Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) systems enable the elderly to stay independent as long as possible. Additional benefits are that these systems will save millions of dollars annually by avoiding the high cost of institutional care and saving home care workers from unnecessary visits and high gas bills.

"Smart home" Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technologies such as ZigBee, Z-Wave, and ultra low power WiFi are essential elements of AAL by enabling discreet battery powered sensors to be placed throughout the home. Companies that are currently offering wireless sensor based AAL systems and/or services include CMI (SimplyHome), Grand Care, HealthSense, Living Independently (QuietCare), and Tunstall.

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