Weighing The Risks And Benefits Of Medical Device Connectivity

By Clark Fortney, Battelle

Consumers are flocking to “Internet of Things” (IoT) technologies, from smart smoke detectors to connected speaker systems. But when the devices that are connected are medical in nature, sometimes the benefits don’t justify the potential threats to patient safety or data. Medical device manufacturers considering adding or expanding connectivity options should think carefully about what they are trying to achieve and develop a strategy that balances the risks and rewards.

Are We Connecting Medical Devices For the Right Reasons?

Connected medical devices are at the heart of some of today’s most exciting advances in healthcare. From mHealth apps that help patients manage chronic conditions at home to smart sensors that alert caretakers when attention is needed, connected devices are making healthcare more personal, more responsive and hopefully more effective. However, it does not necessarily follow that more connectivity is always better, or that every medical device should connect to other devices or networks.