We are a generation where technology hums in the background of nearly everything we do—and medicine isn’t excluded. Of the technologies that are changing medicine, the Internet of Things (IoT) is quite a prominent one, particularly as regards monitoring patients more efficiently and around the clock.
Now, let us attempt to place this into perspective. IoT, in essence, is a collection of physical devices—smartwatches, wearable sensors, or even web-enabled medical equipment—that spew out information and transmit it onto the web. In healthcare, that means having real-time readings on a patient’s condition, without having to have someone there all the time.
So, what is evolving?
Traditionally, patients were under observation in hospitals with equipment at the bedside. Doctors and nurses would check in from time to time, read the charts, and take some action if something was off. It got the job done, but there were limitations—especially for patients who need continuous monitoring or are some distance from medical facilities.
That’s where IoT comes in.
Nowadays, most individuals rely on small intelligent devices that track most critical health measures such as glucose levels, heart rate, oxygen saturation, sleep patterns, and even stress levels. These devices not only track information but also send the information automatically to doctors, caregivers, or tracking systems that stand guard around the clock for early warning of impending health problems.
Remote Monitoring
Arguably the most obvious use of IoT in medicine is remote patient monitoring (RPM). Take the example of a diabetic. Rather than visiting a clinic every week, he or she would wear a connected glucose meter at home. Data shows up on their doctor’s dashboard. If something seems amiss, the doctor gets a notification—or even sometimes the system alerts the patient themselves.
In addition to being more convenient, this is also less expensive and safer. Chronic disease patients, such as those with asthma or heart disease, can now be tracked around-the-clock, no matter where they are.
And we valued that during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even when hospitals were full, individuals still required medical treatment. IoT-enabled systems allowed doctors to monitor patients remotely, reducing the risk of viral transmission and hospitalizations
It’s Intelligent Decision-Making, Not Just Tracking
One of the most exciting things? Such Internet-of-things gadgets don’t just sit around collecting data. It is input into analysis using software (often artificial intelligence) to search for trends. Thus, the system can produce an alarm before a patient’s oxygen level reaches a crisis point, for instance, if it progressively declines over a few days.
This is revolutionary—to reacting to problems to predicting and preventing them.
And with physicians able to access this real-time stream of data, they make more informed decisions. Instead of drawing conclusions from what the patient remembers or a snapshot during an office visit, they can examine the whole picture.
Automatic Alerts and Enhanced Emergency Response
IoT also provides automatic alarms—proudly, a lifesaver. When a cardiac monitor worn by the patient detects an abnormal rhythm, it won’t just alert the patient but the emergency team in real-time as well. Some even alert family members or call emergency services directly.
These real-time alerts are especially beneficial for elderly or post-surgical patients. They bring reassurance, not just to the patients but to the families as well.
But—There Are Roadblocks
A Connected Future for Health
Data security and privacy are principal concerns. Medical data are private, and if such devices are not properly protected, breaches can happen. There’s the additional challenge of compatibility—devices don’t all play nicely with each other, especially when from different firms.
And yes, internet access remains an issue in rural or under-served areas, where IoT-based solutions would most be needed.
But there are adjustments. New benchmarks are being established, safety is rising, and cheaper devices are becoming more readily available.
