The Role of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in Enhancing the Efficiency of Smart Hospitals(Aya Jamal Hedi).

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The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) refers to the integrated network of medical devices and smart equipment connected to the internet, which continuously collect and share health-related data in real time. This connectivity directly contributes to improving the efficiency of smart hospitals. These systems rely on embedded sensors in connected devices that allow for continuous monitoring of patients’ vital signs remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits and saving time and effort for medical staff. Chronic conditions can be monitored continuously, and any abnormal changes can trigger immediate alerts, enhancing preventive care and minimizing the risk of sudden complications.<br />In addition, IoMT helps accelerate diagnostic processes and treatment decisions by providing accurate, real-time data, which in turn reduces patient waiting times and optimizes medical resource allocation. Integration with electronic health record (EHR) systems enables a comprehensive and unified view of the patient’s condition, facilitating collaboration among different healthcare teams within the hospital or even between institutions across different locations.<br />With the advancement of cloud computing and data analytics, the data collected by IoMT devices can be used to improve overall hospital performance through predictive analysis and smart resource planning. For example, such data can help forecast bed occupancy needs, schedule medical staff more efficiently, or even predict outbreaks of infectious diseases within the hospital. However, despite its many benefits, IoMT also faces challenges—most notably in cybersecurity and data privacy. Dealing with highly sensitive health data requires strong encryption protocols and strict access control policies.<br />Overall, IoMT forms a critical foundation for developing smart hospitals by boosting operational efficiency, enhancing the quality of care, and steering healthcare systems toward a more proactive and integrated future.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the first University in Iraq.<br />