Historically, electronic medical devices have operated independently of each other, forcing humans to be the intermediary between them. The rise of the Internet and Wi-Fi communication has changed this, enabling devices to share information seamlessly. The miniaturization and digitization of technology have also made it possible for patients to wear devices directly on their bodies to track critical health information.
Today, the Internet of Medical Things connects medical devices, medical computers, and software applications to deliver a better care experience to patients around the world.
Table of Contents
What is the Internet of Medical Things?
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is the network of medical devices and applications that rely on the Internet to send and receive data. IoMT includes:
- Remote patient monitoring for patients with chronic or long-term conditions.
- Tracking medication orders as they are shipped.
- Collecting patient data from wearable health devices.
- Connecting emergency services to healthcare facilities as they transport patients.
IoMT vs. IoT
It’s essential to understand the distinction between IoMT and the broader Internet of Things (IoT). IoT refers to the network of all internet-connected devices worldwide, including everything from Wi-Fi-connected manufacturing machines to autonomous farming equipment that follows a pre-programmed harvesting routine.
IoMT specifically refers to devices used in the healthcare industry, which have additional requirements compared to those used in other sectors. Typically, an IoMT device will have stronger cybersecurity features than others, due to the importance of keeping health information private. Due to operating close to patients’ bodies, they must also follow safety regulations such as IEC 60601-1.
Applications for IoMT
The easiest way to categorize IoMT devices is by their use. The most common use cases are on the patient’s body, in the home, in the hospital, and in the broader community.
On-Body IoMT (Wearables)
On-body IoMT medical devices come in two subcategories: consumer health wearables and medical-grade wearables.
Consumer health wearables are devices used by the general public for personal health and fitness. This includes activity trackers, step counters, and sports watches. Health authorities like the FDA don’t regulate these devices, but they are still often recommended by healthcare providers for pursuits such as weight loss. Even a smartphone can become an IoMT wearable with the right app downloaded.
Medical-grade wearables, on the other hand, are regulated by government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and are typically used at a provider’s recommendation. For example, glucose monitoring sensors observe a patient’s blood sugar levels, which is critical for those living with diabetes.
Regardless of their origin, on-body IoMT devices are designed to be so small and lightweight that they can be worn comfortably on a person’s body all day long, letting providers monitor their patients more closely.
In-Home IoMT
In-home IoMT devices take the shape of personal emergency response systems, remote monitoring, and telehealth devices. These devices all share a common goal: bridging the physical gap between patients and healthcare providers via digital connections.
Emergency response systems alert EMTs if an emergency occurs, and can be activated manually or if they detect specific parameters (such as a fall). This makes them extremely useful for homebound patients or those with limited mobility.
Remote monitoring is also a popular application for IoMT technology, as it lets patients leave the hospital and return home while still enabling providers to monitor their condition. By placing sensors around the patient’s home to track their condition, healthcare groups can free up beds in the hospital while still keeping an eye on the patient.
Lastly, telehealth devices and services let patients contact providers from the comfort of their home without needing to drive to the hospital or clinic. This is invaluable for patients who live in remote areas or have limited transportation options. With a video consultation, providers can evaluate visual symptoms without ever having to be there in person. This can be done either via a patient’s PC or smartphone or a hospital-issued medical computer tablet.
In-Hospital IoMT
In-hospital IoMT devices include a broad spectrum of devices that manage a hospital’s operations. For example, monitoring equipment like EKG machines and ventilators via IoMT sensors reporting to the hospital’s medical panel PCs helps hospital staff track what equipment is being used where. The same can be done to track the use of consumable items such as bandages, IV bags, and personal protective equipment, giving hospital staff insight into their usage rates and alerting them when they’re running low. IoMT devices can also be used to track both patients and providers, making it easier to locate them in case of an emergency.
Community IoMT
Also known as public IoMT, community IoMT refers to devices distributed throughout a town or geographic area. This includes point-of-care kiosks set up in rural areas that can dispense medical supplies and connect patients to healthcare providers via the built-in computer. Some kiosks can even include basic medical equipment, such as thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, and glucose monitors. This gives patients access to healthcare without having to travel for hours to reach a hospital or clinic.
Another application for community IoMT is for emergency services, such as tracking EMT vehicles and assisting first responders. This enables emergency services to respond more quickly to incidents, stay better informed about how to treat victims, and remain in communication with hospitals ready to receive them.
The Benefits of IoMT
Properly implemented and supported, the Internet of Medical Things can reap a wide range of benefits for healthcare groups and patients alike. The most important of these benefits are:
Better Patient Outcomes
With IoMT patient monitoring both in the hospital and at home, doctors can track a patient’s condition 24/7 without interruption. This gives them deeper insight into a patient’s recovery, enabling them to identify potentially hazardous behaviors and take corrective action or contact emergency services if needed. In turn, this means patients can recover from their illnesses or be rescued after an injury that much more quickly.
Improved Patient Engagement
The best way to engage with patients when it comes to their health is to put information and resources at their literal fingertips. Whether that means an app on their phone that lets them monitor their heart rate or telehealth appointments with their doctor, better-informed patients are often healthier patients.
Greater Accessibility
One of the most pressing issues for the healthcare sector is serving patients in remote or disadvantaged communities. IoMT technology, such as telehealth appointments and patient kiosks, makes it easier for patients in these areas to communicate with healthcare providers and receive treatment.
Lower Costs
By using remote monitoring and telehealth, patients can go home early or avoid a hospital visit entirely, reducing costs for both patients and hospitals. Doing so also helps free up beds and prevent overcrowding at the hospital, thereby further lowering the facility’s operating costs.
Easier Logistics
By using IoMT solutions for medical asset tracking, hospital staff can be better informed about the location of their tools and when to order new supplies. This saves staff from having to track down their equipment or deal with supply shortages, leading to an easier and smoother workflow.
What the Future Holds for the Internet of Medical Things
The growing accessibility of wireless internet and alternative access methods for healthcare will only continue to drive the Internet of Medical Things. Now more than ever, patients and providers are open to telehealth as a treatment option, and more than 70% of healthcare organizations worldwide use some form of IoMT device.
Conclusion
Using the Internet of Medical Things isn’t just for doctors and nurses; even average civilians who want to lead healthier, happier lives can benefit from using the tools it provides. Low-profile, low-cost, and easy to use, IoMT and wearable devices give you deeper insights into your health journey.
Published on November 26, 2025 and Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by: Priyank Pandey
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