The internetworking of physical devices, including household appliances, cars and buildings that are embedded with sensors and network connectivity. These devices are also known as “connected devices“ or “smart devices.” In health care, the Internet of Things can include implanted medical devices and home monitoring systems, for instance.
The expansion of networked devices is expected to generate data collection from previously unavailable sources on people’s health and habits. IoT health has the potential to create a pervasive environment for monitoring patient health and safety, as well as improving how physicians deliver care, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It also can boost patient engagement by allowing people to spend more time in the comfort of their own homes and interact with care centers when needed.