IoT is set to transform the healthcare industry enabling ease of data collection, analysis and bringing medical services into patients’ hands.

Advanced procedures and real time services can be made possible, improving efficiency and reducing redundant costs.

However, there are many hurdles that need to be overcome for the IoT vision to be realised and will likely take many years.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of devices, sensors and processing units that allow communication and connectivity between nodes. The use of hardware and software to collect, exchange and process data is a critical part of healthcare operations, where so much data is available and required to be regularly updated and accurate. Hospitals and medical centres are places of high intensity work and chaos, much of which can be attributed to inefficient operation and data management. Many processes are conducted manually but have the potential to be automated and optimized. Outside of hospitals and medical centres, patients can access data and services through wearables or dedicated devices to monitor and manage their symptoms, effectively extending medical service into patients’ homes and daily lives.