How Internet of Medical Things Impact the Healthcare Industry?

The healthcare industry has made remarkable progress in recent years. Gone are the days of waiting in long queues for doctor’s appointments. With the help of technology, patients can now consult doctors from the comfort of their homes through video calls. This has revolutionized the healthcare sector and improved patient care in many ways. From remote consultations to telemedicine, technology has made healthcare more accessible to people in need.

Modern healthcare systems offer data security, convenience for patients, and reduced costs. Especially with the benefits and technology of RFID, patient safety and hospital workflow are managed with ease.

Healthcare IoT, also known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), has empowered remote patient consideration, improved clinic and pharmaceutical processes, and increased information precision. In hospitals, hygiene-checking devices assist in preventing patient infections. IoT gadgets in hospitals also aid in managing refrigerator temperatures, speeding up emergency care, and things of that nature.

What Is IoMT?

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) amalgamates software applications, medical devices, and health systems and services. It enables the patient to transfer medical data through the internet, which can help reduce hospital visits, hence having a patient-centric approach.

Internet of Medical Things trends streamline medical workflow management as patient care has improved both in remote locations and inside facility walls.

The stats below prove how healthcare has become a digital health leader through IoMT and the increasing popularity of healthcare software development services:

The global Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) market is expected to experience a staggering growth from $30.79 billion in 2021 to $187.60 billion in 2028, at a CAGR of 29.5%. This remarkable growth is a testament to the increasing demand for IoMT solutions in the healthcare industry. The applications of IoMT in healthcare allow healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes.

Let’s move on to the Impact that IoMT has on healthcare industries.

Impact of IoMT on Healthcare

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is changing the face of healthcare by seamlessly integrating medical devices, wearables, and sensors with healthcare systems. With IoMT, patients can receive top-notch care from the comfort of their own homes. Let’s glimpse the impact and role of IoMT in healthcare.

Data-Driven Decisions

The Internet of Medical Things in healthcare can help make data-driven decisions that can keep up with the intricacies of modern medical practices. Having the option to monitor patients progressively in real time and reminding them to take their medications are some of the well-known features of this technology.

Data-driven processes in the medical business help administrators and medical faculty make informed decisions that benefit patients and digitize the healthcare sector.

Smart Medical Devices

The IoMT applications help to track the medical components in a manner that was impossible or difficult a couple of years ago. Whether this implies providing inventories or observing health conditions, these devices can assist in accomplishing medical objectives by providing a good patient experience.

Smartwatches and pillboxes are some well-known examples of this. The former can assist with checking biometrics, while the latter can remind patients to take their meds.

Expanding the accuracy of diagnosis and therapies is possible on account of smart IoMT solutions. This kind of healthcare mobility solution or home-based gadget greatly assists disabled patients. Read to learn how technology is reshaping home healthcare.

Efficient Processes

With numerous shortcomings encompassing the medical world, IoMT has the potential and possibility to assist with improving things. Taking the example of True-Access, an application created by Koombea that permits medical staff and patients to travel through approved areas in medical facilities without mentioning or requesting permission.

In practice, it is a smart card that provides access. However, it is more than that. Its information additionally assists in keeping track of functional matters. With it, security can be improved, and better administration decisions can be made due to the accessible data.

Global Assistance 

Smart medical gadgets gather and transfer important health information, including, but not restricted to, blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen and glucose levels, ECGs, and so forth.

Information stored in the cloud can be shared with doctors from around the globe.

The doctors can look at the information from a device with the application installed to give a particular medical counsel and help patients regardless of their area. Thus, ultimately, we get improved medical services and benefits regardless of the place and time.

Lower Costs

This is presumably the main benefit of the Internet of Things in healthcare. IoT medical care solutions and associated medical gadgets monitor health in real time so patients can visit medical experts/ doctors less often. Generally, this diminishes costs because of fewer hospital stays and readmission.

Improved Patient Experience

Patients associated with the medical Internet of Things in the healthcare system wind up having a superior encounter, as they are more occupied with their therapy. Smart devices in medical services give significant information about the patient so that doctors can diagnose health problems with higher precision.

IoT medical care provides unlimited potential outcomes. It makes medical care more accessible and gives doctors valuable knowledge about patients’ health conditions outside the hospital. Patients get the best medical treatment regardless of their location.

Research and Population Health Management

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by generating vast amounts of data that can be used for research and population health management.

Analyzing this data allows us valuable insights into disease patterns, treatment efficacy, and public health trends. This information can then be used to develop evidence-based disease prevention and healthcare policy strategies.

Let’s move on to discuss the Internet of Medical Things devices. 

Types of Internet of Medical Things for Remote Patient Monitoring

The IoMT landscape is teeming with innovative solutions that can revolutionize healthcare delivery. The possibilities are endless, from wearable devices and remote patient monitoring systems to telemedicine platforms and AI-powered analytics. Let’s have a look at its types:

1. On-Body Segment

This market can be categorized as consumer wearables and medical or clinical-grade wearables. Consumer health wearables are the future of personal fitness devices. These innovative products include bands, wristbands, activity trackers, smart garments, and sports watches.

These IoMT applications are strictly regulated by the authority and endorsed by experts who rely on the information obtained from consumer studies or clinical validation. Samsung Medical, Misfit, and Fitbit are the leading companies in the market, providing top-notch products for our customers.

2. In-Home Segment

Telehealth virtual visits, remote patient monitoring, and personal emergency system are included in the home segment.

The patient can easily and quickly receive medical care in an emergency through this package. To slow down chronic disease progression, RPM monitors the physiological parameters of the patients to provide long-term care.

3.  Community Segment

Mobility service, emergency service, kiosks, point of care devices, etc., are some of the components of these segmented sensors and IoMT tools in healthcare delivery and shipment, which measure humidity, shock, and temperature are some of the examples of IoMT in healthcare logistics management.

4.  In-Clinic Segment

The devices used for clinical or administrative functions in the telehealth model or clinic are included in this segment of IoMT. Unlike the community segment, the healthcare professional can use the devices remotely while the patient is located. Example: Rijuvens Clinic is a platform where physicians can access patients anytime.

5.  In-Hospital Segment

This segment includes patient flow management, assets management, inventory management, environment, and energy monitoring. The best example of this segment is the Myway app which guides the patient to the hospital using the shortest route.

How To Successfully Implement IoMT Technology in Healthcare

Various processes are involved in implementing the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in a healthcare organization. Here is a general description of what happens:

Define the Goals

Establish your IoMT implementation goals and objectives in your healthcare business with clarity. Decide which applications for IoMT technology you wish to use, such as remote patient monitoring, asset tracking, or workflow optimization. Examine whether deploying IoMT in your healthcare organization is feasible. Examine the technological demands, infrastructural requirements, legal compliance, and potential advantages. 

Choose IoMT Platforms and Devices

Choose the suitable IoMT platforms and devices that fit your use cases. Consider device compatibility, data collection potential, connectivity possibilities, and scalability. Make that the equipment complies with all applicable industry standards and legal regulations.

Establish Data Infrastructure

Infrastructure for data collection, storage, and analysis from IoMT devices should be established. Deploying servers in the cloud or on-premises, putting internet of medical things security measures in place, and integrating with current healthcare information systems (HIS) or electronic health record (EHR) systems may all be necessary to do this.

Ensure Data Privacy and Security

Establish strong security mechanisms to safeguard the private medical information that IoMT devices acquire. Establish secure access restrictions, authenticate device connections, and encrypt data while it is transmitted and stored. Respect pertinent data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Test and Conduct Pilot Projects

To gauge the success of the IoMT deployment, start with pilot projects. Test the hardware, connection, and data management procedures in a controlled environment. To pinpoint areas that need improvement, get opinions from stakeholders such as patients, healthcare professionals, and others.

Integrate IoMT With Existing Workflow

Integrate IoMT data and insights into existing healthcare workflows to benefit from them the most. Make that the IoMT system improves efficiency and aligns with the operational processes. Staff should receive training on how to use IoMT devices and evaluate the collected data.

Monitor, Assess, and Iterate

Monitor the IoMT implementation, key performance indicators, and results. Determine where the solution needs work, then refine it to maximize its effect. Keep abreast of current IoMT trends in healthcare to exploit new opportunities.

A multidisciplinary approach combining cooperation between IT teams, healthcare practitioners, regulatory specialists, and administrators is necessary to deploy IoMT in a healthcare organization which moves us to our next point of discussion, the challenges. 

Common Challenges of IoMT Implementation and How to Overcome Them

There are many obstacles to overcome while implementing IoMT in healthcare. Following are some typical issues and potential solutions:

Data Security

IoMT creates a significant amount of sensitive patient data, which raises questions about data security and privacy. To protect data, solutions include installing strong encryption protocols, reliable authentication systems, and access controls. It is crucial to adhere to data protection laws like HIPAA and GDPR. Regular security reviews and staff education on proper data handling techniques are also crucial.

Standardization and Interoperability

IoMT devices and systems sometimes originate from several vendors, which causes interoperability problems. The absence of defined communication protocols and data formats may hamper seamless integration. This problem can be solved with the help of the creation and adoption of industry standards and interoperability frameworks like HL7 and FHIR.

Regulation and Legal Considerations

Adherence to healthcare laws and regulations is crucial when implementing IoMT. Regulations like HIPAA, FDA recommendations for medical devices, and cybersecurity rules must be followed by healthcare institutions. Legal specialists can help assure compliance and reduce any legal risks by keeping up with changing rules.

Infrastructure and Scalability

Extending IoMT solutions to handle massive volumes of data might burden already-existing networks and infrastructure. The necessary processing power, storage space, and network bandwidth must be evaluated and planned for. Cloud-based solutions and edge computing can help with scaling issues by distributing computing resources closer to the data source.

Reliability and Data Accuracy

IoMT depends on connectivity and precise data collecting for its dependability and data accuracy. Network outages, device failures, or inaccurate data collecting might impact the dependability and quality of IoMT solutions. It is possible to ensure accurate and dependable data transmission and collection by implementing redundancy mechanisms, routine device maintenance, and data validation procedures.

To overcome such challenges, it is crucial to consider constant upgrades of the IoMT solutions and adapt to the evolving landscape. With IoT development services, it becomes possible for healthcare organizations to implement IoMT in their existing systems and upgrade or monitor it continuously. 

Popular IoMT Use Cases In Healthcare

Many businesses have successfully used IoMT in healthcare across various applications. Here are a few illustrations of the top use cases of IoMT in the healthcare industry:

Philips Healthcare

Healthcare businesses can choose from several IoMT solutions provided by Philips Healthcare. Their offerings include connected health platforms for telehealth services, wearable devices for remote patient monitoring, and integrated hospital asset tracking and management solutions.

GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare uses IoMT to enhance medical imaging and diagnostics. Their systems link imaging devices with data analytics and cloud-based platforms to provide effective data management, remote consultations, and AI-powered picture analysis.

Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific uses IoMT for its pacemakers and neurostimulators, among other implantable medical devices. These gadgets enable healthcare practitioners to track patient health and make modifications as needed by wirelessly connecting to remote monitoring systems.

Embark on Your IoMT Implementation Journey With Appinventiv

The future of healthcare is now, and IoMT technologies are leading the way. IoMT gives patients more control over their health and can communicate more effectively with healthcare providers. Through cutting-edge technologies, the future of IoMT in healthcare can offer better remote patient monitoring, individualized treatment programs, and improved healthcare results.

With an eye on the future of IoMT, Appinventiv is a pioneering company to help bring IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) to the healthcare sector.

Appinventiv has extensive experience in IoMT and healthcare technologies. Their team of experts has an in-depth understanding of IoMT technology and healthcare processes, which enables them to comprehend your particular needs and issues.

Appinventiv, being a reputed healthcare software development company, keeps abreast of new developments in IoMT trends and technology. They concentrate on developing scalable, interoperable, and future-proof systems. They make sure your IoMT implementation is ready for changes in the industry by utilizing cloud computing, edge computing, and IoT standards.

If you have a revolutionary idea for implementing IoMT in your healthcare processes, we are ready to consult and offer you top-notch IoMT connectivity solutions. Get in touch today!

FAQs

Q. What is IoMT in healthcare?

A. In the context of healthcare, the term “IoMT stands for” (Internet of Medical Things) and refers to a network of interconnected sensors, systems, and medical equipment that gather, transmit, and analyze patient health data. It promises to boost operational efficiency in the healthcare sector and improve patient care while enabling remote monitoring.

Q. What is the basic difference between IoMT and IoT in healthcare?

A. In healthcare, IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) and IoT (Internet of Things) differ in their specific applications. IoMT refers to medical devices and systems connected to the internet that are designed for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating patients, with a focus on healthcare-related functionalities.

Whereas IoT in healthcare, encompasses a broader range of connected devices used for general data collection and management across various industries, including but not limited to healthcare settings.

Q. How IoMT works in healthcare?

A. IoMT in healthcare focuses on the following essential elements:

• Remote Monitoring: Real-time remote patient health monitoring is done by medical specialists.
• Timely treatment: Prompt treatment and individualized care with early detection of anomalies.
• Connected equipment: Sensors and medical equipment gather patient data.
• Data transmission: Data is sent safely to cloud platforms or healthcare systems.
• Data analysis: Sophisticated analytics and AI algorithms are used to find insights and patterns in the data.
• Enhanced Efficiency: IoMT improves resource management, streamlines operations, and optimizes healthcare delivery.

Q. How can IoMT benefit the healthcare industry?

A. Here are some of the major benefits of IoMT in the healthcare system:

• Operational Efficiency
• Cost Savings
• Remote Patient Monitoring
• Enhanced Patient Care
• Improved Outcomes
• Data-Driven Insights
• Research and Innovation
• Scalability and Future-Readiness
• Patient Empowerment
• Connectivity and Collaboration

THE AUTHOR

Nayan Sharma

AVP - Technology Presales