The internet of medical things in healthcare management: a review

Abstract

The widespread adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies across various domains has given rise to the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), which has significantly enhanced the accuracy and capabilities of electronic devices in producing reliable results applicable to the healthcare industry. To leverage the potential of IoMT in healthcare, a series of interconnected events must take place, starting with edge devices collecting data, followed by data aggregation, processing, and informed decision-making based on data analysis. This review article stems from a collaborative and innovative project conducted by participants in the digital economy, organized by the Department of Software Engineering at Tsinghua University in 2021. The project focused on implementing technologies in various fields, with specific teams dedicated to healthcare. During this project, several gaps were identified, and solutions centered around the IoT were proposed. In this comprehensive review, we extensively investigated IoMT services and applications and emphasized how these applications can be optimally implemented to unlock their potentials. Our survey encompassed over 300 research papers, that examined the implementation of IoMT in domains such as Pharmacy Management and Health Insurance Management. Additionally, we analyzed the key enablers and barriers to the successful implementation of IoMT in recent times. To provide a practical perspective, we presented a feasible case study that applied deep learning to IoMT, considering the security concerns associated with its implementation. Furthermore, we identified future research directions and potential areas of improvement based on the gaps identified from the reviewed literatures. By undertaking this review, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of IoMT services and applications, shedding light on their optimal utilization within the healthcare industry. Ultimately, our goal is to facilitate advancements in IoMT implementation and to pave the way for enhanced healthcare delivery and improved patient outcomes.