The internet of medical things (IoMT) is a rapidly growing field, with a wide range of devices and applications that connect to the internet through healthcare IT systems. These devices include wearable pumps, glucose meters, smart thermometers, and even large, installed equipment such as MRI machines. The primary uses of IoMT include monitoring wearable devices, tracking the location of patients and machines in a hospital, keeping tabs on medication orders, and remotely checking on patients with long-term health conditions.
One of the distinct challenges faced by IoMT devices is their operating environment. For example, MRI machines rely on giant magnets that can damage computers in the same room. Additionally, magnets interfere with radio signals, making it impossible for Wi-Fi hotspots and Bluetooth beacons to share space with MRI machines. This means that MRI machines can only be networked using wired interfaces, such as RS-232 serial ports or USB connections.
Healthcare providers’ IT departments need to understand the unique challenges associated with each type of IoMT device in order to set up reliable and secure systems. Mains-powered hospital machinery, such as glucose meters and infusion pumps, can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi. However, these machines also need to have a battery power as a safeguard against power interruptions, with some machines having a battery life of between three and 12 hours in operation.
In addition to large, installed devices, wearable and nanotech IoMT devices also play a crucial role in healthcare. Devices such as smart thermometers and pumps can incorporate flash SD cards to store patient data, and can also share information with other equipment using Wi-Fi. Personal emergency response systems (PERS) and remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices generally operate on a 4G or 5G cellular network, or use a Bluetooth short-range wireless connection. These wearable battery-powered systems usually have little RAM or storage onboard and may also need to be waterproof.
Furthermore, the implementation of IoMT devices in a healthcare setting also presents challenges related to privacy and security. Confidentiality and privacy are top concerns when treating patients, as unauthorized or malicious devices should not have access to data collected by IoMT units. Security is also a major concern, as healthcare providers need to implement security protocols to protect devices with limited memory onboard. Ensuring continuous power supply through grid or battery supply is also crucial in a medical world that is increasingly reliant on connected machines to carry out treatments.
Overall, the internet of medical things has revolutionized the healthcare industry, providing innovative solutions for monitoring and treating patients. However, the unique challenges associated with these devices require careful consideration and expertise to ensure the reliability and security of the systems. As the healthcare industry continues to embrace connected technology, the importance of understanding and addressing these challenges will be paramount in saving lives and improving patient care.