IoT, IoMT & Telehealth: Transforming Life Sciences

​While historically there have been various reasons for rapid technological progress in the life sciences sector, the latest one is the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and the increased need for remote services. A growing number of life sciences organizations are now aggressively looking to telehealth solutions fueled by the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) technologies to reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and keep workers safe.

In the IoT and IoMT era, ultrafast connectivity means that a wide range of medical devices and equipment can be connected to a server or the cloud. As a result, telemedicine technology can make excellent use of real-time data to drive higher-quality remote patient care and health outcomes.

The Market Forces Driving Telehealth Adoption

Life sciences organizations have a unique and pressing opportunity to expand their digital strategies as the world has realized the unlimited potential of technology to improve lives—now from afar. Since the pandemic, nearly triple the number of U.S. consumers have been using telehealth (AMA Policy Research Perspectives Report, 2025).

Clearly, there are abundant opportunities that IoT, IoMT, and telehealth solutions can deliver to the life sciences sector. According to a new market research report, IoT in the healthcare market is expected to grow to $169 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research, 2024). And with AI blazing the way in the tech world, investment in AI healthcare companies represented 46% of total investments with venture capital (Silicon Valley Bank, 2026).

Whether a company is well ahead of the IoT and telehealth curve or embarking on their first IoT project, achieving successful outcomes is critical to long-term viability and profitability in the future. We see four macro-level trends at the forefront of the telehealth movement, representing critical opportunities for life science companies to capture in order to fuel growth and profitability.

Workforce at the Center of Telehealth Evolution

There is increasing concern across the industry about the shortage of skills needed to deploy IoT/IoMT solutions and the risk that this challenge will hamper market growth. Traditionally, the life sciences and medical technology (MedTech) workforce has been focused on electrical and mechanical engineering and product development driven by large traditional sales forces.

Today and for the near future, these sectors require high-level skills in digital, advanced data analytics, and machine learning, and a workforce that is educated and flexible. Yet, one of the biggest obstacles is that data scientists with advanced degrees and training in match, statistics, and/or computer science and experience in data mining and data visualization are highly sought-after skills.

Meanwhile, there is growing evidence of an emerging skill-shortage affecting the life sciences and MedTech industries. Several research studies point to the growing skills gap as one of the greatest challenges for these sectors. For example, one research study reveals 43% of healthcare industry professionals say a lack of specific digital skills and talents to be the most significant hindrance (GlobalData, 2023).

Certainly, mergers and acquisitions can assist larger companies to recruit the technology and digital talent they need. However, partnerships and collaborations with workforce and staffing partners who specialize in the life sciences sector can also be instrumental in ensuring that an organization’s skills and talent strategy are successful.

While the life sciences sector is expected to benefit immensely from IoT and IoMT technologies to fuel telehealth initiatives, the lack of skills to deploy IoT/IoMT solutions could also constrain market growth. The addition of IoT/IoMT devices makes network management more difficult for healthcare IT teams as they deal with increased complexity.

Life sciences organizations will need to create an innovative, flexible digital culture in order to recruit and retain the digital talent needed to build the data-centered services that will drive value for patients, providers, and their own companies in the future.

Growing Adoption of Virtual Clinical Trials

The result of COVID-19 pandemic introduced disruptive changes to the way physicians deliver care to patients, yet it also has influenced how clinical trials are now being conducted. Talks about virtual clinical trials have echoed the halls of life science and pharma companies for years; however, prior to the pandemic, these were mere whispers.

Today, those talks have quickly turned from whispers to shouting through a megaphone. Importantly, the growing adoption of virtual trials isn’t solely fueled by regulators and drug companies. It is also being catapulted into mainstream practice by the increasing acceptance of participants. In fact, according to a recent report, 90% of patients actually prefer fully virtual clinical trial modals (Vivalink, 2026).

This may be due in large part to the fact that remote patient monitoring is proving to be an effective approach to clinical trials while subjects are able to remain in the comfort of their homes. Many clinical trials face similar challenges, such as adherence to protocol, participants losing interest, or dropping out completely due to logistical difficulties. However, with virtual monitoring, study participants can reduce their in-office visits, monitor their readings at home, share them remotely with stakeholders, and receive reminders that help keep participants engaged and on track

Data Challenges Continue to Exist with Telehealth

While patients have shown an interest in participating in virtual trials, the issue of information security and privacy remains a challenge when patients can choose their own devices for utilization—smartphones, wearables, laptops, portals—and the data they share is accessible to many stakeholders.

Cybersecurity issues are, or should be, top of mind for life science companies, particularly when it relates to developing and deploying telehealth solutions over IoT/IoMT technologies. However, recruiting skilled cybersecurity talent is difficult, and the global cyber-talent shortage is making it challenging for companies to stay abreast of even the basics of cybersecurity—never mind the mammoth task of evaluating the security implications of digital transformation.

For example, CyberSeek, a project funded by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, reported in 2024 the U.S. faces a shortfall of nearly 265,000 cybersecurity professionals, with workers only being able to fill 83% of jobs. This talent shortage is more than just a thorn in the side for life sciences companies.

Exposure to insider threats and ransomware attacks is a risk that life sciences organizations continually face; however, when you take into account the emerging threat from IoT/IoMT devices and the reality that digital transformation requires external partners and vendors to access your IT systems and data, a perfect cyber-storm is looming around the corner. And there isn’t enough skilled talent to defend it.

Best Practices for Successful IoT, IoMT, and Telehealth Adoption

There are several paths to success when adopting and deploying IoT solutions to support the rapid move to telehealth. Adhering to several fundamental practices can help to ensure that the end of the road is met with victories.

Assembling an Interdisciplinary Team

Many life science organizations focus largely on building the technology workforce needed to drive IoT and telehealth solutions, and rightfully so. Technology talent is naturally inspired by technology—it is in their DNA. However, the most successful IoT and telehealth projects are transformational, so they impact how the entire company operates. Therefore, it is critical that all process owners have a part and say in the solution development effort.

Leading life science companies also go further to include clinicians and end users, particularly for solutions that ultimately impact patient care. Without this inclusive approach, many project leaders have a tunnel vision focus on the technical proof-of-concept and the initiative fails without a business driver or sponsor, leading to a disenchanted technology team, doubt about the technology itself, and a waste of valuable time and money.

Identifying Problems IoT/Telehealth Can Truly Solve

Another key factor that leads to greater success is an unwavering certainty that the technology can truly solve the problem. To facilitate this effort, team members must share their unique perspectives and ultimately agree on how success should and will be defined. This is where diversity of thought and background is truly vital.

Ideally, with a diverse team of stakeholders, begin by identifying and documenting key performance indicators, whiteboard workflows, survey key stakeholders, and take an inventory of expected improvements or savings. If the team’s expectations fit the capabilities of the technology, then you can be assured you have the right tools for the job.

Ensuring Cross-Business Unit Collaboration

No medical device company, pharmaceutical manufacturer, or biotech organization wants to spend money and time reinventing the wheel. However, with the widespread and rapid merger-and-acquisition activity within the life sciences sector, companies often are dealt with siloed people-building solutions. And, they frequently believe they are the only ones building an IoT platform or telehealth solution.

To avoid disparate efforts, companies will need to uncover and foster cross-business unit collaboration and standardization. This effort will provide an opportunity to pinpoint and/or build a foundational architecture for the whole organization that is much more consistent across all lines of business and functions. For example, embarking on one toolset, one skill set, and one training program can deliver reduced costs, enable greater employee mobility within the company, and lead to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover.

Embracing the New Paradigm of Connected Care

As an industry, healthcare and life science companies need to find more effective ways to help patients live healthier lives, and many are making exciting transformations to achieve that goal. In short, telehealth has become the new paradigm in healthcare, and now in life sciences. The latest innovations in IoT, IoMT, and telemedicine technologies are helping to keep patients connected, monitored, and cared for safely and effectively from afar.

Through careful navigation and consideration of key macro trends shaping the future of telehealth, life science leaders can steer their organizations towards a successful journey and outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About IoT, IoMT, and Telehealth in Life Sciences

What is IoMT in life sciences?

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) refers to a connected ecosystem of medical devices, applications, and health systems that collect, transmit, and analyze patient data. In life sciences, IoMT includes everything from wearable biosensors and smart infusion pumps to connected imaging systems and remote monitoring platforms. These devices feed real-time data into cloud-based systems, enabling researchers, clinicians, and manufacturers to make faster, data-driven decisions. The result is smarter trials, more personalized therapies, and continuous patient insight beyond the clinic walls.

How does IoT support telehealth?

IoT powers telehealth by connecting devices like wearables, glucose monitors, heart rate trackers, and mobile apps, to centralized systems where data can be reviewed instantly. This real-time data exchange allows clinicians to monitor patients remotely, intervene earlier, and reduce unnecessary in-person visits. For life sciences organizations, IoT also supports decentralized trials and post-market surveillance by capturing continuous performance data. In short, IoT turns remote care from a workaround into a scalable care model.

Why is telehealth growing in life sciences?

Telehealth adoption accelerated during COVID-19, but its growth is rooted in long-term value: lower costs, broader patient access, and stronger engagement. Patients are more comfortable with virtual interactions, and regulators have introduced guidance supporting remote models like virtual clinical trials. At the same time, life sciences companies see telehealth as a path to richer datasets and faster development cycles. It’s a structural shift in how care and research are delivered.

What skills are needed for IoT and IoMT deployment?

Deploying IoT and IoMT solutions requires more than traditional engineering expertise. Organizations need data scientists, cloud architects, cybersecurity specialists, AI and machine learning engineers, and interoperability experts who understand healthcare regulations. Cross-functional leaders who can translate clinical needs into technical requirements are equally important. Companies that invest in digital workforce strategies will outpace those that treat IoT as just another IT project.

How do virtual clinical trials work?

Virtual clinical trials use connected devices, telehealth platforms, and remote monitoring tools to collect data outside traditional research sites. Participants may wear sensors, log symptoms through mobile apps, or conduct video consultations instead of traveling to clinics. Data is transmitted securely to sponsors and research teams for analysis in near real time. This approach reduces geographic barriers, improves patient retention, and often accelerates study timelines.

What cybersecurity risks exist with connected medical devices?

Connected medical devices expand the attack surface for cyber threats, including ransomware, insider threats, and data breaches. Each IoT or IoMT endpoint, whether a wearable or hospital-based device, creates another potential entry point into sensitive systems. When third-party vendors and cloud platforms are involved, complexity increases further. Without skilled cybersecurity professionals and strong governance frameworks, organizations risk operational disruption, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage.

How can life sciences companies prepare for telehealth adoption?

Preparation starts with strategy, not technology. Companies should define clear business objectives, identify measurable KPIs, and build interdisciplinary teams that include IT, clinical, regulatory, and operations stakeholders. Standardizing platforms across business units reduces redundancy and lowers long-term costs. Just as critical is investing in workforce development and cybersecurity from the outset because telehealth success hinges as much on people and process as on devices.

What role does AI play in IoMT and telehealth?

AI acts as the intelligence layer on top of IoMT data streams. Machine learning algorithms analyze massive volumes of patient-generated data to detect anomalies, predict risks, and personalize treatment pathways. In clinical trials, AI can identify patterns faster, optimize patient recruitment, and improve protocol adherence. Simply put, IoMT collects the data and AI turns it into actionable insight that drives better outcomes and smarter life sciences operations.