Challenges and Opportunities of Internet of Things in Healthcare

Abstract

The Internet of  Things (IoT) relies on physical objects interconnected between each other’s, creating a mesh of devices producing information and services. In this context, sensors and actuators are being continuously embedded in everyday objects (e.g., cars, home appliances, and smartphones) thus pervading our living environment. Among the plethora of application contexts, smart Healthcare is gaining momentum. Indeed IoT can revolutionize the healthcare industry by improving operational efficiency and clinical trials’ quality of monitoring, and by optimizing healthcare costs. This paper provides an overview of IoT, its applicability in healthcare, some insights about current trends and an outlook on future developments of healthcare systems.