In a recent report by Grand View Research, the globalinternet of medical things (IoMT) market sizewas estimated at USD 144.23 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.4 per cent from 2023 to 2030. Another report by Deloitte states, “IoMT could save the global healthcare industry over $300 billion annually by improving efficiency and reducing healthcare waste.
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is transforming healthcare by integrating medical devices with IT systems, enabling real-time monitoring and personalised treatment, crucial for improving healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes. This blog explores challenges, and how Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) can reduce the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) and provides recommendations on best practices to ensure its seamless integration.
Leveraging IoMT to reduce GBD and enhance healthcare access
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) empowers healthcare providers with the ability to analyse comprehensive data sets, yielding actionable insights that enhance decision-making and patient care. By facilitating telemedicine and remote care, IoMT significantly improves accessibility, reducing the need for travel and associated costs and time, thereby minimising missed workdays for patients seeking healthcare. This technology fosters opportunities for minimally invasive procedures, helping in cutting healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes and recovery times.
IoMT devices, such as those that monitor patient vitals and blood glucose levels, enable real-time remote monitoring, which enhances response times and improves patient outcomes. For instance, continuous monitoring of patients with implanted pacemakers can detect abnormal cardiac patterns early, helping to predict and prevent heart attacks.
Moreover, several IoMT innovations have gained mainstream adoption, including smart pills that ensure medication adherence, wearable devices designed for pain management, and glucose pumps for managing chronic diabetes. These advancements highlight the transformative potential of IoMT in enhancing healthcare accessibility and reducing the global burden of disease (GBD).
Key challenges in adopting IoMT:
Despite the promising potential of IoMT, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed in order to fully leverage its capabilities in reducing GBD and enhancing healthcare access:
Data security and privacy: With the proliferation of IoMT devices, the volume of sensitive patient data being collected and transmitted is immense. Ensuring the security and privacy of this data is paramount to prevent breaches and maintain patient trust. Robust cybersecurity measures and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR are critical.
Regulatory compliance: IoMT devices must comply with a myriad of regulatory standards across different regions. Navigating these regulations and ensuring devices meet the necessary approvals (e.g., FDA, CE marking) can be complex and time-consuming, potentially delaying the deployment of innovative healthcare solutions.
Interoperability issues: While standards like FHIR and HL7 are being adopted, achieving full interoperability between diverse IoMT devices and healthcare systems remains a challenge. Inconsistent data formats and proprietary technologies can hinder seamless data exchange, affecting the quality of patient care.
Infrastructure and connectivity: Reliable internet connectivity and robust healthcare infrastructure are essential for the effective deployment of IoMT solutions. In many regions, especially in developing countries, inadequate infrastructure and connectivity issues can limit the reach and effectiveness of IoMT devices, exacerbating healthcare disparities.
Cost and accessibility: The high cost of IoMT devices and the associated infrastructure can be a barrier to widespread adoption, particularly in low-resource settings. Ensuring equitable access to these technologies is crucial for reducing GBD and enhancing healthcare access globally.
Healthcare workforce training: Effective utilisation of IoMT requires healthcare professionals to be trained in using these advanced technologies. Continuous education and training programs are necessary to equip the healthcare workforce with the skills needed to leverage IoMT solutions effectively.
Some IoMT implementation best practices:
Readiness:
Ensure the deployment environment for IoMT devices supports necessary technologies and enterprise standards, selecting devices and vendors that align with the organisation’s needs and vision. Verify that devices comply with global and local regulatory frameworks, are certified by regulatory authorities, and provide ongoing staff training on security best practices, along with maintaining an incident response plan.
Patient data privacy and ownership
Comply with regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PIPEDA through risk assessments, role-based access controls, personnel training, audits, and breach notifications. Establish clear data ownership definitions among healthcare providers, technology vendors, and patients, ensuring patients understand their data rights.
Regulatory compliance and cyber security:
Incorporate security and compliance into IoMT device architecture, investing in robust cybersecurity frameworks like HITRUST and NIST CSF to protect patient data. Ensure clinical validation of devices through approval pathways and compliance with frameworks like SaMD and ISO standards, managing risks and testing devices to guarantee patient safety.
Device interoperability and patient safety:
Prioritise interoperability to enable seamless communication between IoMT devices, reducing errors and improving patient care coordination. Conduct rigorous clinical validation of IoMT devices to confirm their accuracy, reliability, and safety, ensuring they work effectively in real-world healthcare settings.
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is at the forefront of modern healthcare, promising to enhance accessibility and efficiency across the globe. Its widespread adoption is democratising healthcare technology, making quality care more accessible, particularly in remote and underserved regions. As healthcare systems increasingly leverage IoMT, the positive impact on healthcare access and the global burden of disease is becoming more evident. With continued innovation and adherence to best practices, IoMT has the potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery, ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for all.