Applications and Benefits of Internet of Things in

Healthcare and Medical Sector

Introduction
The advancement of Technology has simplified various fields of modern lifestyle.
Healthcare is also one sector which is largely benefited from technological
advancements of the recent era. One such advancement is known as the internet of
things which is having exponential growth of implementation in the healthcare sector.
IoT(Ahmed et al., 2018). IoT in Healthcare refers to connected devices utilised in
hospitals including smart thermostats, security systems, automated lighting and
others. The primary role of the implementation of IoT in the Healthcare sector is for
providing better comfort and safety to the patient.

What is IoT?
The full form of IoT is given as the internet of things. It is a system of interconnected
devices with the help of the internet for the purpose of transmitting and receiving
information as well as controlling several processes of these systems(Alamri, 2018).
IoT devices are getting popular in every industry of the world because of increased
efficiency and better automation with the help of connected devices over the internet.
the application of IoT devices is gaining momentum on a regular basis in various
fields of life(Zou et al., 2020).

Current developments in IoT in healthcare and medical

sector
The current development in the internet of things in the healthcare and medical sector
includes smooth communication between doctors and patients involving virtual
prescriptions(Alsaggaf et al., 2022). It is also helpful to set up home connect programs
amid coronavirus for decreasing exposure of patients. Healthcare courses are also
benefited from the implementation of IoT in this sector because virtual reality and
Augmented reality can be improvised. The connectivity of emergency vehicles with
IoT is also a latest advancement of the implementation of IoT in the Healthcare
industry(Dang et al., 2019).
Benefits of IoT in healthcare and medical sector
There are numerous benefits to the implementation of IoT in the Healthcare and
medical sector due to the better interconnectivity of medical devices. remote health
monitoring with the help of connected devices is very beneficial in emergency
conditions of the patients(Geetanjali et al., 2020). It also provides end to end
connectivity with cost efficiency for the patients so that the patient care work flow can
be managed in a better manner. Handling of data related to medical devices can be
managed with the help of IoT implementation(Shwetank et al., 2021).

Threats of IoT in healthcare and medical sector

As with every other technology, IoT technology also comes with its own set of risks
and threats during implementation in the Healthcare and medical sector. The
implementation of IoT in the Healthcare sector may lead to technical errors and
omissions(Hussain et al., 2021). As medical devices are connected with the help of
the internet, cyber security risks are also present in the implementation of IoT in the
Healthcare sector. important and sensitive information related to patients can be
compromised in case of a cyber attack on the system(Shah et al. 2019).

Challenges of IoT in healthcare and medical sector

Security and privacy of patient data is the most commercial challenge in the
implementation of IoT in the Healthcare industry. integration of multiple devices and
protocols, as well as data accuracy-related challenges, are also there(Jain and Soni,
2017. The cost factor of implementation of IoT needs to be resolved for greater
adaptation of IoT in healthcare(Onasanya et al., 2019).

Applications of IoT in healthcare and medical sector

The primary applications of IoT in the Healthcare sector include reduction of
Emergency Room waiting time, enhancement of drug management, easier tracking of
hospital staff, patients and inventory as well as critical hardware availability
assurance(Nasabeh et al. 2021).
Conclusion
IoT implementation in Healthcare and medical industry is quite advantageous if the
related risks and threats can be managed effectively(Nashwan, 2021). The automation
and efficient interconnectivity of Healthcare devices is going to be the future of the
medical industry provided the inherent threats can be neutralised in the coming future.
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