ABSTRACT
Internet of things (IoT) sensors are transforming medical monitoring by enabling continuous remote tracking of patients’ physiological parameters. Miniaturised wearable devices and implantable sensors now allow real-time monitoring of vital signs like heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, etc. Wearable sensors incorporated into devices like smartwatches, patches and fitness bands; implantable sensors like cardiac monitors and intraocular pressure sensors; mobile health apps utilizing smartphone sensors; and environmental sensors are discussed. Important capabilities of these sensors include miniaturised footprint, wireless connectivity and interoperability with electronic health records, real-time monitoring and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled analytics at the edge.
Major healthcare applications outlined include remote chronic disease management, elderly home monitoring, hospital patient care and mobile health apps for consumers, clinical trials leveraging patient sensor data and post-surgery recovery monitoring.
However, challenges remain in ensuring patient comfort, biocompatibility, data security, interoperability, accuracy and technical support. Emerging trends like hardware miniaturisation, SG networks, block chain integration, advanced sensor materials and molecular sensors are highlighted. With appropriate privacy and accuracy safeguards, IoT medical sensors are poised to become integral to future healthcare systems, improving patient monitoring and outcomes.
This paper reviews the transformative impact of IoT-enabled remote monitoring on healthcare delivery through continuous tracking of patients’ physiological parameters using miniaturised, connected sensors. Key technologies, capabilities, applications and innovations are analysed while outlining the opportunities and challenges of medical grade IoT sensors for proactive, data-driven, patient-centric care.
