The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in healthcare is reshaping how medical data is collected, analyzed, and used for patient care. Simply put, IoMT connects medical devices and systems to the internet, allowing real-time data sharing, remote monitoring, and smarter clinical decision-making. The IoMT market is expected to skyrocket past $331.1 billion by 2030. This anticipated growth shows how deeply IoMT is embedding itself into modern healthcare delivery.
This article highlights research that demonstrate the growing power and potential of IoMT in healthcare.
Expanding Use Cases of IoMT in Healthcare
A study in the Journal of Infection and Public Health explores a wide range of IoMT applications, from hospital operations to remote care. In clinical environments, IoMT solutions help manage emergency room flow, monitor hospital bed occupancy, and even regulate the temperature of blood supply refrigerators. Some systems integrate directly with EMS services to route patients to hospitals with available capacity to speed up care when seconds matter.
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices powered by IoMT allow real-time tracking of vitals such as, temperature, blood pressure, glucose, and weight. Using AI and machine learning, healthcare teams can transform this data into predictive models for preventive care.
Integrating IoMT in healthcare requires special attention to data privacy, battery life, interoperability, and device security. Technologies like 5G networking, blockchain security, virtual reality, and point-of-care diagnostics are being explored to advance security.
Applications of IoMT include real-time tracking of cardiac output, heart rate, and respiratory patterns to alert providers if a patient’s vital signs change before a scheduled appointment. Smarter IoMT devices are leading to faster health interventions.
Remote Temperature Monitoring in Diabetic Patients
Neuropathic foot ulcers are a leading cause of nontraumatic amputations in diabetic patients. Traditional in-clinic checks often miss early warning signs, leading to severe outcomes. One study underscores how IoMT in healthcare is working to change that. This study explores the effectiveness of IoMT in healthcare with continuous remote temperature monitoring programs in preventing foot ulcers and amputations in diabetic patients.
In the study, 115 high-risk patients received continuous remote temperature monitoring socks. Data from patients up to 2 years before enrollment and up to 3 years after were evaluated. Outcome measures included wound development rates, ulcer severity, amputation rates, and outpatient podiatry visits.
Compared to usual care, results showed:
- 68% reduction in new foot ulcers
- 86% reduction in moderate to severe ulcers
- 83% reduction in amputations
- 63% reduction in hospitalizations
Outpatient podiatry visits also dropped significantly. Continuous remote monitoring enabled early detection of inflammation, which led to quicker interventions and better long-term outcomes.
Siren Socks are one example of this type of IoMT solution. These smart socks help providers and patients detect early signs of foot injuries and reduce the risk of diabetic ulcers. Once a patient receives their Siren Socks, they simply put them on and plug in the Siren Hub — no syncing or complicated setup required.
IoMT to Monitor Hypertension in Pregnancy
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide, and the postpartum period is a particularly risky time. Determining which patients are most at risk can lead to improved treatment plans to keep new mothers safe.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM, highlights how IoMT in healthcare could dramatically improve postpartum hypertension monitoring. Researchers developed a model to identify those at high-risk, medium-risk and low- risk for developing hypertension after giving birth. Researchers found that over 60% of participants in the high-risk group experienced significant blood pressure spikes during 3-7 days after discharge.
Women at medium and high risk benefited from longer hospital stays and early initiation of blood pressure medications. Discharging patients only once their blood pressure fell below 140/90 mmHg offered the best balance between safety and efficiency. For low-risk women, additional interventions provided minimal benefit.
The research reveals the potential for models that establish personalized post-delivery care based on an individual’s risk profile. Targeting remote monitoring and treatment to those most vulnerable to hypertension could lead to better outcomes.
Understanding IoMT in Healthcare
These study findings reinforce the growing role of IoMT in healthcare as a powerful tool for personalized, preventive care. Whether monitoring postpartum blood pressure, detecting diabetic foot complications, or optimizing hospital operations, IoMT is helping healthcare teams target interventions precisely where they’re needed most.
