of the equipment. Similarly, the medicine stocks can also be properly monitored using IoT devices.
1.4.4 Error Reduction
As the real-time data is continuously collected through IoT devices, decision-making becomes much easier which helps in the smooth functioning of the healthcare systems. This not only saves the time but also reduces the cost of operation.
1.4.5 Data Assortment and Analysis
Huge amount of data is collected by IoT devices. These data can be used for analysis purposes. As IoT devices collect and analyse the data, storing of manual records is not required. The data is available on real time and stored in cloud and can be made available to the healthcare professionals or patients. The error in analysis can be eliminated compared to the manual analysis.
1.4.6 Tracking and Alerts
The patients are connected to IoT devices so that the doctors can keep track of their health on real-time basis. Doctors get alerts on life threatening emergency situations which enables them to take proper decisions and provide right treatments with better accuracy.
1.4.7 Remote Medical Assistance
In an emergency, patients can contact doctors through connected devices irrespective of the location which enables them to avoid the hospital visits and un-necessary expenses. Doctors will be able to check the patients online and prescribe the medicines. In future, delivery chains are aiming to provide machines which can distribute medicines to the patients based on their data available through the connected devices.
1.5 Challenges of IoT
Various challenges faced by the IoT devices are discussed in this section.
1.5.1 Privacy and Data Security
Data security and privacy are the most crucial challenges of IoT devices. As huge amount of data is generated through the connected devices, it is highly susceptible to cybercrimes. Without proper data security and protocols, personal data of patients as well as doctors can be hacked and misused. Fake IDs may be created by cyber criminals which can be used for fake insurance claims and businesses.
1.5.2 Multiple Devices and Protocols Integration
Various devices of different manufacturers must be interconnected for the implementation of IoT. As there are no standardized communication protocols to be followed by the manufacturers, integration of multiple protocols becomes difficult and it will hinder the operation of these devices. Also, the system may become more complicated. This may result in an inefficient system if standardized communication protocols are not in place.
1.5.3 Huge Data and Accuracy
A huge amount of data is generated by the IoT devices. As the number of devices increases, the data generated also will increase. If huge amount of data is generated, it will be difficult for the doctors to analyse the data and take proper decisions which, in turn, may affect the accuracy.
1.5.4 Underdeveloped
Even though the use of IoT devices in health sector is increasing day by day, still the development is not up to the mark. It is still in development stage only. It has to progress in a faster pace for better results.
1.5.5 Updating the Software Regularly
With the implementation of hardware for IoT devices, software also becomes part of the system. It has to be regularly updated for better performance and added security features. Regularly monitoring and updating the software is required which may not be possible easy at times.
1.5.6 Global Healthcare Regulations
For every new technology implementation, proper approval from healthcare regulating bodies is required. But formulations of new regulations are not done very frequently and is a time-consuming process which may cause difficulty in implementation of new technologies and innovations.
1.5.7 Cost
The cost of healthcare facilities in developed countries is high compared to the developing countries. With the use of IoT devices, cost is not reduced for using the healthcare facilities. It must be made cost effective then only it can benefit the common man.
1.6 Disadvantages of IoT
Disadvantages of IoT is discussed in this section.
1.6.1 Privacy
As IoT devices operates hugely on personal data, serious security issues can happen due to hacking which may result in data theft. So, there should be proper security and firewalls in place which may require additional expenses.
1.6.2 Access by Unauthorized Persons
As the real-time sensitive data is available in connected devices, the access to those data needs to be protected. Proper care should be taken to ensure that the data is accessed by authorized persons only. Unauthorized access may create data leaking and misuse of the data.
1.7 Applications of IoT
Various applications of IoT devices are discussed in this section.
1.7.1 Monitoring of Patients Remotely
Patient monitoring from remote locations is possible with the help of IoT devices. This reduces the number of cases of hospital admissions which, in turn, reduces the expenses. After a major illness or surgery, when the patients are discharged from the hospitals, doctors can keep track of the health of the patients and reduce re-admissions.
In rural areas where the healthcare facilities are poor, doctors can monitor the patients sitting at a remote location and can reduce the death rates.
The expenses incurred for traveling long distance for consultations, hospitalizations, etc., can be reduced. Even IoT devices can alert the healthcare professionals if the patients are not taking medicines regularly or taking wrong medications. With the continuous monitoring of the patients, health risks can be reduced drastically.
1.7.2 Management of Hospital Operations
Hospital operations involves management of various equipment and drugs. It is difficult to manage this equipment in an optimal way as the doctors are always busy with their patients. By means of IoT devices, management of equipment becomes much easier. As the equipment are regularly monitored, fault in that equipment can be easily detected and rectified. Also, IoT devices can alert the authorities about any outdated equipment which needs replacement.
Most of the time, it is difficult to track how many available
