5 - An overview of the Internet of medical things (IoMT): Applications, benefits, and challenges

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) represents the connection between the physical world and the constant transmission of virtual data, and the IoMT is exclusively dedicated to the health sector, relating to medical devices. IoMT consisting of the main characteristics is the exchange of information, aiming to improve the management of a given healthcare system that the device does part, used to achieve these goals going far beyond a data connection, such as mobile devices equipped with smart applications, medical equipment for home use, care applications, emergency care kits, i.e., is the perfect integration between indispensable information from the patient's reality and the availability of data for consultation with doctors. The IoMT also provides personalized service, with data-driven treatment through the use of devices adapted to patients, since it is possible to point out consistent data about the patient, impairing a more assertive service, based on past data. Through IoMT technology, especially the way data is collected, stored, and processed, medicine can benefit from greater agility in the verification of patients’ hospital clinical conditions and even early preparation for possible health crises of patients and potential failures of medical equipment. In summary, the IoMT accelerates advances in data science, enabling health institutions to benefit from faster treatment, reduction of medical errors, and new therapies. This chapter aims to provide a panorama of the application and potential of the Internet of Medical Things, showing the importance and relevance of this disruptive technology, demonstrating a landscape view as key concerns, advantages, and challenges, with a concise bibliography.