An analysis of the current status of Internet of Medical Things policies in developing countries

Abstract

Summary The workforce shortage in the healthcare sector, climate change, demographic changes and changing lifestyles are concerns for policymakers in developing countries. Hence, policymakers are resorting to technology-enabled solutions such as electronic healthcare and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in particular. However, for such solutions to be effective there is a need for policies that guide their implementation and use. The aim of this paper was to analyse eHealth policies in developing countries. Specifically, this paper aims to determine whether eHealth policies in developing countries cater for the IoMT. Secondary data were collected from the World Health Organization's website and the websites of the targeted developing countries. The Policy Triangle Framework was used to analyse the IoMT by analysing and highlighting the context, content, process and the actors (stakeholders) delineated within such policies. The results revealed that only Senegal had a policy addressing the IoMT. In addition, the presentation of the policy was complex. More evidence on the IoMT should be provided by scholars so that policymakers can act on it for the improvement of healthcare.