In the latest in our Health innovations series, we’re looking at the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). What is that you may ask? You might have heard of the Internet of Things1 (IoT), where ‘smart’ devices and sensors linked to the internet or via bluetooth communicate with each other, collecting and sharing data, with the aim of making your life easier.

IoMT works the same way, but for health. It’s a network of smart devices that collect and share health information and support your medical care. These devices can collect, share, and analyse data to make healthcare safer, faster, and more personalised. 

How does IoMT work?

Think of IoMT as a team of connected gadgets working together. Examples of IoMT devices include:

  • Wearable devices like fitness trackers, smartwatches or even earphones that check heart rate or activity.
  • Implantable devices like pacemakers.
  • Home health monitors such as blood pressure cuffs or glucose meters that share diagnostic readings with your healthcare provider.
  • Smart hospital equipment that updates doctors and other healthcare professionals automatically. Having these monitoring systems can help with operational efficiency, patient safety and keep treatment plans on track.

All these connected medical devices send medical data through secure healthcare system networks so doctors and patients can make better decisions through what is known as remote patient monitoring without even having to be in the same room. 

How will IoMT be used in healthcare?

IoMT technology is expected to become ever more important in the coming years. In its 10 Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future the government outlines how this technology will be used:

“The My Health tool will bring all health data into one place, such as blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar measurements. It will include real-time data from wearables, biometric sensors, or smart devices and will connect to the results of recent tests and investigations. Patients will have control over whether this data is shared in real-time with their care team, so they can proactively monitor their health and step in if needed.”

“New wearable technologies mean that we can measure and monitor our health and health behaviours like never before - from apps on our phones, to smart rings on our fingers, to continuous glucose monitors under our skin. Over the next decade, these technologies will be used more widely and routinely.”

Why is IoMT important?

There are several reasons why this type of health innovation is important for patient care and the healthcare industry providing it. For a start, IoMT technology offers convenience to patients who are increasingly used to streaming content on demand and ordering deliveries of food and drink to their home. Being able to track their own health from home feels like a natural next step.

A further benefit is speed. Doctors can get real-time data so they can spot problems early and act fast.

Accurate data means care plans can fit each person’s needs, especially for long-term conditions and chronic diseases.

  • Privacy and cybersecurity

The use of IoMT raises important questions about privacy and data security. Health data is sensitive and it must be protected from hackers or misuse. Patients should know who sees their data and how it’s used.

  • Sensitive information, unauthorised access and data sharing

IoMT can make healthcare easier and better through remote monitoring. But providers and tech companies must keep systems secure from cyber attacks or misuse. Patients should ask questions and stay informed before sharing data. Patients should also know who has access to their information and how it will be used.

In summary

Like many technological developments, IoMT has huge potential to change our lives for the better, by using remote monitoring to make it easier for the NHS and private sector to provide the healthcare we want and need.

However, healthcare providers and technology companies need to work hard to ensure IoMT systems follow strict security standards.

You may not experience the use of IoMT when you visit a hospital yet, but if you do it’s always wise to ask questions and stay informed before sharing your patient data.

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