Remote Healthcare and the Internet of Medical Things

The idea of the Internet of Things (or IoT) isn’t exactly a new one. The term first cropped up in 1985 when Peter T. Lewis was addressing the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. He referred to the Internet of Things as “the integration of people, processes, and technology with connectable devices and sensors to enable remote monitoring, status, manipulation, and evaluation of trends of such devices.”

The past decade has seen the development of a specialized medical IoT (also known as the Internet of Medical Things, or IoMT), which uses wearable sensors and integrated applications for healthcare monitoring needs. When paired with artificial intelligence, the IoMT can offer enhanced versions of standard medical devices–such as smart inhalers and insulin pumps–that collect patient data and, when necessary, adjust dosages.

According to this report from Research and Markets, the global market for IoMT devices is projected to reach USD 94.2 billion by 2026.

Remote Monitoring

One of the most important innovations in the healthcare industry has been the advances in wearable sensor technology. These devices are unobtrusive by design, which means patients can go about their lives without being tethered to monitoring equipment. These wearables allow caregivers to remotely monitor the condition of their patients, reducing the need for in-person care while offering peace of mind.

IoMT Challenges

With the healthcare industry trending towards the IoMT, there are still a number of challenges that need to be overcome.

Integration. Getting all of the “things” in the Internet of Medical Things to communicate can be problematic. Although a lot devices still use their own proprietary communication protocol, many manufacturers have moved to a brand-agnostic integration that allows various brands to work together seamlessly.

Connectivity. Wireless communication can be disrupted by a number of factors, from inclement weather to sparse WiFi coverage. Manufacturers have addressed this issue to some degree with redundant networks and robust buffering, ensuring the data gets through no matter how spotty the connection.

Security. The wireless transmission of personal and healthcare data naturally raises serious concerns about security and privacy. Most manufacturers go to great lengths to protect their software, design protocols, and firmware from hacking or reverse engineering. Similarly, healthcare providers run tightly controlled inventories of the devices connected to their networks to prevent unauthorized devices from being deployed. An ideal remote monitoring solution will have comprehensive end-to-end security controls in place from day one of its product life cycle through its approval by regulatory agencies and its deployment for patient use.

The IoMT age is ripe with opportunities for remote healthcare, but general trust in cloud data and security is still evolving. The technology has come a long way and will continue to improve in the years ahead as investment and funding increase.