The Internet of Things (IoT) in health-related devices extends far beyond smart bracelets and blood pressure apps on smartphones. Its applications in the medical field are very broad, and the market continues to expand.
Definition of Internet of Things in Healthcare (IoMT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) in the medical field is also known as the Internet of Medical Technology (IoMT). IoMT refers to internet-connected medical monitoring systems, such as sensors, that receive and transmit medical data via wireless networks, storing this data in databases and medical records. If a medical device can access the internet to transmit or receive data, it is considered an IoT or IoMT device.
From a location tracking perspective, the Internet of Things (IoT) has also proven extremely useful in hospital environments. Portable devices are tagged and can be tracked for their location within the hospital—from wheelchairs to nebulizers and other medical equipment. This eliminates the need to search for essential medical equipment and supplies, especially after shift changes or in emergencies.
Many aspects of patient health can be remotely monitored through wearable technology. Data collected from these devices can benefit patients, their medical teams, and insurance companies. The Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare is a boon for people living far from hospitals or with limited mobility. In some cases, patients who previously had to remain in hospitals for monitoring can now be monitored from the comfort of their homes, saving significant amounts of money and freeing up hospital beds. IoT-driven wearable technology—along with its associated sensors, data, analytics, and mobile accessibility—can be an advantage in combating chronic diseases.
It has been proven that using medical IoT for remote monitoring, combined with telemedicine, has been helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic, minimizing the number of medical visits and the potential spread of COVID-19.
There are hundreds, even thousands, of IoT applications in the medical field, such as the following:
Medical Internet of Things and Heart
The Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare has driven the development of pacemaker technology. Frequent and intensive monitoring of pacemakers is typically required. Smart pacemakers allow information to be transmitted to pacemaker providers, hospital staff, and physicians, minimizing the number of visits while maximizing data sharing and analysis of patient care.
Another type of heart device enhanced by the Internet of Things is the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Individuals with uncontrollable atrial fibrillation can use ICDs to help manage their condition, thereby extending their lifespan.
Medical Internet of Things and Coagulation Monitoring
People with blood clotting problems must have their blood monitored and tested regularly to ensure it is within the normal range. If their clotting time is prolonged, their risk of stroke or bleeding increases.
Real-time coagulation testing allows patients to check their blood clotting ability at home or work, transmitting this information to healthcare providers so they can adjust medication or advise on next steps. These devices can also remind patients to perform self-tests and issue alerts if results deviate from the normal range.
Medical Internet of Things and Lung
People with lung disease can benefit from smart respirators. These respirators collect and analyze individual breathing data, then transmit it to doctors via the internet. This allows doctors to regularly monitor patients' conditions and adjust treatment and medication strategies according to their needs.
Medical Internet of Things and Blood Glucose Monitoring
The Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare can also simplify blood glucose monitoring for diabetic patients. Sensors are placed in subcutaneous tissue, suitable for some patients. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which emerged in the 1990s, allows patients and caregivers to monitor blood glucose levels. However, the IoT has taken it to a new level. Sensors communicate with smartphones, and results can be sent to the cloud for the patient's healthcare team to view.
Medical IoT and Sleep Apnea
The leading device for treating sleep apnea is the continuous positive airway pressure (C-PAP) machine. A C-PAP device increases air pressure in the throat while a person sleeps, preventing the airway from closing or collapsing during inhalation. The Internet of Things (IoT) can be used to collect and analyze nighttime data to improve the quality, quantity, and safety of sleep for C-PAP users.
The Infinite Possibilities of the Internet of Things in Healthcare
The future of the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare is bright. The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated that the implementation of technologies such as IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence can improve efficiency and safety. IoT is revolutionizing healthcare care and patient records, as well as data transmission and sharing. It also reduces the need for facility maintenance, hospitalization and medical visits, and personnel.
Despite significant progress already made in this field, the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare is far-reaching.
