International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 2025, Vol.15, No.3, 110-119 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 114 (URLLC) feature of 5G ensures that emergency services can be dispatched quickly and that real-time guidance can be provided to patients in critical situations. For example, a 5G-supported remote emergency assistance system can offer immediate instructions to heart attack patients, potentially saving lives by providing timely interventions (Figure 2) (Ahad et al., 2019; Chai et al., 2022; Peralta-Ochoa et al., 2023). In rural and remote areas, where access to emergency medical services is often delayed, 5G-enabled systems can bridge the gap by facilitating remote diagnosis and treatment. These systems can transmit high-quality video and medical data to healthcare professionals, allowing them to assess the patient's condition and provide necessary guidance instantly. The implementation of such systems has been shown to improve the outcomes of emergency situations by ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time (Ahad et al., 2020; Karako et al., 2020; Chai et al., 2022). Figure 2 The 5G-based robot-assisted remote ultrasound used for patients in a rural care center for persons with disabilities in China (Adopted from Chai et al., 2022) Image caption: A: The doctor-side operational scenario in Hangzhou; B: The patient-side operational scenario in Deqing, 35.9 kilometers away from Hangzhou; C: Ultrasound images captured from the patient-side subsystem were sent to the doctor-side subsystem in real time (Adopted fromChai et al., 2022) 5 Case Studies of 5G-Supported Remote Care in Rural and Remote Areas 5.1 Chronic disease management in remote areas The application of 5G technology in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension in remote areas has shown promising results. One notable case involves the use of mobile phones and web services to monitor blood pressure and blood glucose levels remotely. This system collects data from patients through mobile devices and transmits it to healthcare providers via a web interface, enabling doctors to manage chronic conditions and provide feedback without the need for in-person visits (Agarwal and Lau, 2010). Another significant example is the implementation of a tele-monitoring and tele-assistance system for diabetic patients in Prato, Italy. This system leverages the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G networks to facilitate proactive remote interactions between patients and healthcare centers. The results from this pilot project demonstrated improved health outcomes and efficient management of diabetes through continuous monitoring and timely interventions (Morosi et al., 2017).
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