We spoke to our Solutions Architect and Senior Software Engineer, George Petrakis (GP), about the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), connected healthcare devices and their risk factors. We also discussed IDE’s particular projects in the IoMT space and how to mitigate uncertainties.
IDE: What is IoMT, and how does it translate to improving healthcare?
GP: The Internet of medical things (IoMT) is a term for medical devices connected via the internet or other networks. It comes from the Internet of Things (IoT), which refers to internet-connected devices like smart cars that can tell you their location or smart fridges that automatically order new beer if you run out. IoMT aims to improve the patient’s healthcare with faster and more accurate diagnoses. At the same time, IoMT can also reduce costs and deliver healthcare services more efficiently.
IDE: That sounds fascinating. Can you give us an example?
GP: An example of an IoMT device is a medical sensor that measures a biosignal, like your heart rate, blood pressure, or temperature. Biosensors make up a big chunk of the IoMT market. An IoMT device could be an in-home glucose monitor or a heart monitor in an ICU.
Some of the latest breakthroughs are a headband for real-time epileptic seizure forecasting (ForeSeiz) and wearable flexible sensors (WFSs), such as a wearable sweat monitoring system. Even the Apple Watch is an IoMT device with integrated fall detection and a single-lead ECG.
One of our projects in this area that we are currently working on is a breath analyser to reinvent livestock pregnancy testing. The point of IoMT is to make the data available by writing it into a database, which can be accessed from the internet. This is especially helpful for monitoring.
IDE: Would you say accessibility of data is the main advantage of IoMT devices?
GP: Yes, the ability to access data in real-time and integrate this data into existing systems is very valuable for healthcare professionals.
Some examples of this include the latest patient monitoring that is available in hospitals, and our partnership with Kipuwex in remote patient monitoring.
In newer hospitals, you do not have to see the patient in person anymore since you can now view medical images, or monitor ECG data from an entirely different building. This allows for a better and faster diagnosis for the patient and a better patient experience.
Our partnership with Kipuwex, a Finnish healthcare company that specialises in remote health monitoring, has meant that together we have developed a small IoMT device, which wirelessly measures several clinically relevant biosignals. These biosignals can be monitored remotely from anywhere and at any time. The device measures different physiological parameters like ECG, temperature, EMG, heart rate. These biosignals are then processed by an algorithm to identify pain data. This device is an excellent example of remote monitoring and the provision of care from a distance.
IDE: Can you give us an outlook on where the IoMT market is heading?
GP: IoMT is still in its early stages of adoption. However, there are significant advancements quickly moving it forward. Experts forecast the IoMT market will reach 284.5 billion USD by 2027,[1] with smart wearables, portable smart monitors, and other smart monitoring devices being the key factors. A survey from Deloitte showed that over 50% of respondents from small companies said all their products are connected. This shows the shift to connected medical devices that is already happening with medical startups embracing this technology shift.[2] In medium and large-sized companies it was only 25% and 33%, respectively.
We see this with our clients as well since we work with a lot of startups. We help our startup clients make their devices smart. An example would be an interface between the device and a software platform to read out the data generated by the device. You could then write the data in a simple datasheet, such as Excel or a database. This process of turning previously unconnected devices into smart devices can help in automating processes and even diagnoses.
IDE: That sounds very promising, but what are the challenges this sector is facing?
GP: I believe that there are two main challenges. The main one is the critical need for cybersecurity for IoT medical devices. Over the last few years, more and more vulnerabilities have been found in IoT medical devices. IoMT devices are especially vulnerable due to their connectivity. Part of it is due to outdated operating systems with known vulnerabilities. A report by Forescout revealed that over 70% of devices run on outdated and unsupported Windows operating systems, leaving them open to attack.[3] Healthcare is a prime target for cyberattacks. There is even a term for it: Medjacking.
For all our projects, we are putting great emphasis on making connected medical devices secure. We help our clients protect Medical IoT Devices as part of the product development.
If someone steals your credit card, you cancel the card. But if you’re worried about family, friends or your employer finding out about a chronic health condition, hackers can extort you financially by threatening to release your private information. We help our clients to avoid these situations. Our processes assure to keep any personal and medical data safe.
IDE: You mentioned two main challenges. What is the second one?
GP: Regulatory uncertainties. However, we mitigate regulatory and compliance risks associated with developing connected care devices when working with our clients. The costs of inaction can be astounding. Every minute that a device remains noncompliant increases the risk, exposing the business to significant safety and financial consequences. Every medical device company has the choice: Either invest in proactive mitigation efforts now or pay later and face the consequences of regulatory agencies, patients and legislators. That’s why it is vital to mitigate these risks early, as we do with our clients.
IDE: What unique values can IDE offer its clients to conquer these challenges?
GP: IDE unites both product development capabilities and the ability to develop the digital ecosystem. We deliver the entire development lifecycle and, therefore, reduce the risks significantly. It enables us to be more cost-effective and deliver faster results. Our processes help our clients to identify and solve complex problems and, ultimately, allow successful commercialisation.
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