Internet-of-Things Devices and Assistive Technologies for Healthcare: Applications, Challenges, and Opportunities

Abstract

Medical conditions and cases are growing at a rapid pace, where physical space is starting to be constrained. Hospitals and clinics no longer have the ability to accommodate large numbers of incoming patients. It is clear that the current state of the health industry needs to improve its valuable and limited resources. The evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices along with assistive technologies can alleviate the problem in healthcare, by being a convenient and easy means of accessing healthcare services wirelessly. There is a plethora of IoT devices and potential applications that can take advantage of the unique characteristics that these technologies can offer. However, at the same time, these services pose novel challenges that need to be properly addressed. In this article, we review some popular categories of IoT-based applications for healthcare along with their devices. Then, we describe the challenges and discuss how research can properly address the open issues and improve the already existing implementations in healthcare. Further possible solutions are also discussed to show their potential in being viable solutions for future healthcare applications. I. INTRODUCTIONThe recent pandemic has revealed underlying limitations, inequities, and gaps in universal healthcare access. COVID-19 outbreak has exposed the centrality of health, both as an outcome and as an engine for economic and social development. Even well-developed healthcare systems face unprecedented challenges due to demographic, epidemiological, and health transitions. The hard-learned lessons for the health sector dictate improvements in both the effectiveness and efficiency of services. Healthcare services need to take advantage of new technologies that can upgrade the capacity to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. A