Internet of Medical Things. What Should We Know About it?

Drag to rearrange sections
Rich Text Content

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a subtype of the technology Internet of Things (IoT) that includes networked mobile devices and software applications used in digital health. IoMT devices help connect patients, doctors and medical devices, e.g. complex data-tracking sensors, hospital or diagnostic equipment and wearable technology by transmitting personal data over a secure network. This way, healthcare providers are supported in making more data-driven decisions and personalising treatment plans based on real-time information. 

Working in a bespoke software development company specialising in the healthcare sector, I see that a large percentage of medical businesses currently need skilled IT professionals to help them transition into a digitally-driven business environment and remain relevant. In 2022, predictions state that the Internet of Medical Things market will reach nearly 160 billion US dollars, offering many new opportunities for both emerging and existing businesses. The digitalisation of healthcare is a fast-approaching wave that is about to disrupt existing processes, and this calls for increased collaboration between software development companies and the healthcare sector. 

What is the Internet of Medical Things?

In general, the Internet of Medical Things represents wirelessly connected devices that facilitate convenient and accessible interconnectivity through the Internet. Similar to more popular IoT devices, IoMT devices, also known as healthcare IoT devices, use automation, sensors and sometimes Artificial Intelligence to reduce the need for human intervention during routine medical procedures. Because it provides patients and providers with improved access to a patient's health information, patients require fewer unnecessary appointments at doctors' offices and hospitals. 

In addition, the IoMT lowers costs for both patients and healthcare providers. Internet of Medical Things and its connection to medical technology make a significant contribution for healthcare organisations to improve patient outcomes, reduce rising healthcare costs, improve efficiency and open up new ways of patient engagement and empowerment. In the future, the pace and scale of healthcare transformation will be exponential if digital healthcare and telemedical providers manage to find a way to successfully harness the full potential of the IoMT.

Common Use Cases of IoMT  

Some common use cases of IoMT include remote monitoring of patients with chronic or long-term conditions, monitoring medication orders, and locating patients' whereabouts in a hospital. Also, wearable mHealth devices can directly send patient data to healthcare providers. Other IoMT innovations include infusion pumps equipped with data-tracking devices and hospital beds that record and monitor all vital functions with sensors. All these essential medical data and doctor’s recommendations can be integrated into an IoMT software solution that patients can use once they are discharged from the hospital. 

From a doctor’s perspective, one of the biggest advantages that IoMT offers is that they’ll spend less time on administrative tasks. On the other hand, when talking about the large-scale benefits IoMT can have on the digitalisation of healthcare, the examples are numerous. For instance, IoMT can support enhanced medication management and allow a more comfortable and convenient patient experience. Plus, other common use cases boost more efficient diagnostic procedures and data-driven treatment options, as well as remote monitoring for chronic conditions. Last but not least, once the use of IoMT becomes more widespread, this technology is likely to help reduce overall medical costs.

Opportunities and Challenges

While IoMT offers numerous opportunities, this technology comes with a number of challenges as well. Healthcare companies that lack sufficient financial resources to invest in their digital talent or staff’s digital upskilling. This urges many healthcare companies to seek partnerships with a bespoke software development company that can design and build reliable IoMT software applications. Besides, business values are currently experiencing transformation in such a way that companies no longer see themselves merely as product developers. Instead, they put more emphasis on providing seamless high-quality service that create benefits for the end-users based on personalisation, security and mutual trust. Knowing all the potential opportunities, what about the challenges of IoMT? 

Let’s keep in mind that IoMT needs a reliable wireless connection and vast Internet coverage that 5G technology can already provide. As a powerful IoMT accelerator, 5G enables faster than ever data processing and data transfer speed, which is vital for real-time health tracking and diagnostics. Nevertheless, there are also challenges connected to the fast adoption of IoMT devices. First, data security should be a top priority that guarantees stable and safe data usage. Second, data privacy might also be an issue due to different government regulations across the world and international cooperation in establishing digital health as an additional medical service. Third, perhaps some hospitals or medical facilities won’t be able to fully benefit from the technology at first due to restricted budgets for innovations. 

The Role of IoMT in the Ever-Changing World 

In view of the forecast expenditures in the healthcare sector for the next few years, all recent statistics show that organisations should make efforts towards reducing medical costs. A 2022 report by Deloitte on Global Healthcare Outlook cites impressive statistics on diseases influenced by climate change. As it turns out, more than 30% of global heart diseases are caused by climate change, another 3,01 million patients die annually from risk factors attributed to air pollution. Undernutrition in some vulnerable countries due to higher temperatures, floods or too dry seasons also cause health problems on a global level. All these factors related to climate change significantly contribute to developing health issues that translate into higher medical costs.

However, let’s not forget that since the pandemic outbreak, many people’s lives drastically changed in terms of decreased physical activity, lack of fun social interactions, mental health problems or taking care of sick relatives. Many field experts predict that future medical models will rely on value-based care and IoMT can play a key role there. For instance, once doctors embrace digital healthcare, they can promote acceptance for its use and thus the spread of IoMT applications to the most vulnerable population groups, providing essential monitoring. Also, the popularity of wearable devices among young people supports many preventive measures that can lead to early diagnosis of underlying conditions, lower medical bills and ultimately more positive treatment outcomes. 

Author Biography Aleksandrina Vasileva 

Aleksandrina is a Content Creator at Dreamix, a custom software development company, and is keen on innovative technological solutions with a positive impact on our world. Her teaching background mixed with interests in psychology drives her to share knowledge. She is an avid reader and enthusiastic blogger, always looking for the next inspiration.

rich_text    
Drag to rearrange sections
Rich Text Content
rich_text    

Page Comments