Review Article

Published: 2024-11-11
https://doi.org/10.20935/AcadMed7394

From data to diagnosis: leveraging deep learning in

IoT-based healthcare
Miracle A. Atianashie1,*, Chukwuma Chinaza Adaobi2
Academic Editor: Salvatore Morgera

Abstract
In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the integration of deep learning within the Internet of Things (IoT) presents transformative
potentials for medical diagnostics and patient care. This article explores the advanced architectures of deep learning and their
application in healthcare IoT, emphasizing the enhancement of disease prediction models, medical image analysis, and real-time health
monitoring systems. Deep learning’s capacity to handle vast and complex datasets by extracting high-level features and enabling
predictive analytics is particularly beneficial in healthcare, where timely and accurate diagnosis can significantly influence treatment
outcomes. Furthermore, the implementation of deep learning technologies in healthcare IoT has proven effective in the early detection
of critical health conditions, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, through sophisticated analysis of medical images and
physiological data. This article also discusses the pivotal role of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)-accelerated computing and the
expertise of medical professionals in refining deep learning models for clinical applications. Despite these advancements, challenges
remain such as data privacy, interoperability of diverse systems, and the computational demands of processing large-scale data. Ethical
and legal considerations are also critical as the deployment of artificial intelligence in healthcare necessitates careful consideration of
patient consent and data security. The future of deep learning in healthcare IoT is geared toward enhancing data security, improving
device integration, and creating patient-centric models through innovative technologies such as blockchain and edge computing. This
article advocates for a collaborative approach to overcome barriers and accelerate the adoption of these technologies in mainstream
healthcare settings.

Keywords: deep learning, healthcare IoT, medical image analysis, predictive analytics, data privacy and security

Citation: Atianashie MA, Adaobi CC. From data to diagnosis: leveraging deep learning in IoT-based healthcare. Academia Medicine
2024;1. https://doi.org/10.20935/AcadMed7394

1. Introduction number of interconnected neurons constituting its cells, deep

learning models pose challenges in construction and are com-
Deep learning, a subset of machine learning techniques relying putationally intensive [2]. Nonetheless, with the evolution of IoT
on artificial neural networks, has emerged as the predominant and cloud technologies, deep learning methods are gaining
approach in contemporary machine learning research since traction and yielding promising outcomes across diverse IoT
2019. In healthcare Internet of Things (IoT), its integration aims applications such as innovative health and smart homes. By
to construct a precise and responsive real-time system tailored stratifying networks into distinct layers, each housing processing
for innovative hospital environments. The cornerstone of deep elements, deep learning has become a pivotal component in the
learning’s efficacy within IoT systems lies in its architectural rate-determining step of various processes—these layers abstract
design, hence the terminology “deep learning architecture.” Lev- information from data, furnishing adequate detail for conducting
eraging this architecture in healthcare IoT can lead to significant tests based on these abstractions [2]. Two prominent research
enhancements in early detection capabilities for critical health directions emerge within deep learning: knowledge abstraction
conditions, consequently elevating the overall performance of and accuracy abstraction.
innovative health systems [1, 2].

Distinguished by its structural variance from traditional machine

learning algorithms, deep learning can be defined as a subset of
2. Importance of deep learning in
machine learning methodologies dedicated to learning data healthcare Internet of Things
representations and executing specific tasks, often involving Deep learning has gained incredible popularity in healthcare IoT.
parametric and supervised learning. Characterized by the vast Among various machine learning techniques, it has the most

1Department of Computer Science, School of Research and Graduate Studies, Catholic University of Ghana, P.O. BOX 363, Sunyani,
Bono Region BS143, Ghana.
2Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Allied Science, Catholic University of Ghana, P.O. BOX 363, Sunyani, Bono

Region BS143, Ghana.

*emails: miracle.atianashie@cug.edu.gh; miracleatianashie81@gmail.com

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power to revolutionize healthcare. The reasons behind this influ- employing modern data technologies. This is where deep
ence are its predictive analysis, extracting high-level features, learning and modern AI technology can be embedded in the
and, most importantly, extensive data processing capability. It healthcare system for the betterment of the medical sector [9,
manifests in various forms of technology, such as a smartphone, 10]. With the increasing popularity of deep learning in
IoT gadgets, and biomedical devices. Though deep learning has healthcare, public data resources are broadening daily with
numerous applications in different sectors, our main concentra- mutual benefits in drug re-purposing, discovery, and basic
tion in this work is healthcare IoT [3]. There are five main research. In the next section, we will see the architecture of deep
ingredients—big data, IoT, deep learning technology, Graphics learning.
Processing Units (GPUs)-accelerated computing, and human
experts in the medical domain using deep learning techniques—
that can optimize disease prediction modeling, enhance 3. Overview of deep learning
treatment plans, and diminish medical errors. Medical images architecture
are used to visualize the interior body organs. However, a deep
In a typical deep learning architecture for healthcare IoT, there
learning model can differentiate features from raw data
are several layers of processing, each comprising several
automatically. By using multiple layers of abstraction, deep
processing units. The inputs to each layer are the outputs from
learning algorithms (DLAs) learn to represent data with a
the previous layer. The first layer is the input layer, which takes
hierarchy of concepts. This is the basic idea of how deep learning
the raw input—such as a patient’s physiological data from a
gives the exact outcome of image analysis in medical image
wearable device or data from medical imaging—and passes it
processing. Modern artificial intelligence (AI) technologies
through to the first hidden layer. The output from each of these
should concentrate on building a robust and transparent AI
units in the hidden layer is produced by applying a nonlinear
system. It facilitates the AI in explaining itself so that a human
function to a weighted sum of the inputs to that unit. The idea is
can understand the basis of the decision. Recently, the progress
that each hidden unit is learning a different input data feature.
of medical imaging and cloud-based diagnostics has been
The output layer’s units then take as their inputs the outputs of
revolutionized by deep learning [4, 5].
the hidden layer and apply yet another nonlinear function to it.
This modern technology has shown outstanding performance in The output layer units are the network nodes that produce the
image recognition, natural language processing, and pattern network’s final output. Therefore, each unit’s output in this last
recognition. It accomplishes impressive results in diseases such layer can represent the network’s decision about whether certain
as eye diseases, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Deep learning will play data features are present. Training such a neural network
a tremendous role in medical diagnosis, personal health, and involves determining the weights of all the connections and the
health management in the upcoming years. This will ultimately parameters in the various hidden and output units. This is
work to develop the healthcare IoT [6]. Deep learning typically done using a supervised learning algorithm. First, each
technology has a marvelous potential in the medical field that unit’s output for a given input data set is computed, starting from
has not yet been reached. However, with the rapid expansion, the input layer and moving through to the output layer [11]. Then,
new capabilities are added to the modern AI system daily. It has the difference between the actual network output and the desired
been integrated with modern technology, allowing us to achieve output is computed. To improve the quality of investigation in
unparalleled efficiency and patient care in healthcare [7]. This deep learning, the researchers can use empirical research
most exciting feeling is that deep learning–based AI can help to methods and develop a prototype system based on the deep
configure a system that can manage patients and the day-to-day learning architecture produced in the project. With the
tasks of the hospital. This would allow doctors to focus their development of technology, newer and more powerful deep
time on patients and deliver better care. There is no doubt that learning software and packages that support various healthcare-
the future of healthcare will be carved by health informatics, related data are constantly being developed and improved.
and progress in deep learning will improve disease prediction However, integrating these types of software and profound
and patient diagnosis [8]. The process of prescribing learning this example is a complex issue due to the wide range of
pharmaceuticals will be optimized while lessening the danger of legacy systems and data storage often found across different
overmedication. healthcare areas. Not only the programming workload but also
the complexity of the IT solution and the system support work
Healthcare data is growing at incomprehensible rates, and it is
need to be considered [12, 13] (Table 1).
the moment for health information technology (IT) experts to
support and fulfill the demands of managing big data and

Table 1 • Comparison of deep learning algorithms for healthcare Internet of Things

Algorithm Architecture Training procedures Ability to secure healthcare
data
Convolutional Uses layers of convolutional filters to Requires large labeled datasets for Security can be enhanced with privacy-
neural networks automatically learn spatial hierarchies of supervised learning; training involves preserving techniques like federated
(CNNs) features from input data. backpropagation and gradient descent learning and differential privacy, although
optimizations. CNNs can be vulnerable to adversarial
attacks.

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Recurrent neural Designed to handle sequential data by Trained using backpropagation through RNNs require robust encryption
networks (RNNs) maintaining a hidden state that captures time (BPTT), which can be mechanisms to secure data during
information from previous inputs. computationally intensive due to training and inference, especially since
vanishing gradient issues. they deal with sequential health data.

Generative Composed of two neural networks, a Training is adversarial, involving the GANs can be used to generate synthetic
adversarial generator and a discriminator that minimization of losses in both data, which is valuable for protecting
networks (GANs) compete against each other, enhancing networks, which can be unstable and patient privacy, though they may
each other’s performance. require careful hyperparameter tuning. inadvertently learn sensitive information.

Autoencoders Consists of an encoder that compresses Unsupervised learning method where Autoencoders can be utilized for data
the input into a latent space and a the network is trained to minimize anonymization and feature extraction, but
decoder that reconstructs the input from reconstruction error. the latent space needs to be secured to
this representation. prevent information leakage.

Deep belief Comprises multiple layers of stochastic, Trained layer by layer using DBNs can be combined with encryption
networks (DBNs) latent variables, where the top two layers unsupervised learning followed by fine- techniques for secure training, but their
form an undirected graphical model and tuning with supervised learning. layered approach may make them
the lower layers are directed. susceptible to certain types of attacks.

4. Discussion: most suitable deep 5. Deep learning algorithms

learning algorithms for healthcare DLAs have become a fundamental and essential component of
Internet of Things modern AI, facilitating remarkable progress in various domains,
Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) appear to be the most encompassing computer vision, natural language processing, and
suitable deep learning architecture for healthcare IoT, primarily generative modeling. Out of the myriad of architectures contrib-
due to their robust performance in medical image analysis, which uting to this unparalleled advancement, three models hold
is a critical component of IoT applications in healthcare. The particularly significant sway: CNNs, recurrent neural networks
hierarchical structure of CNNs allows them to effectively learn (RNNs), and generative adversarial networks (GANs). Each ar-
and represent complex spatial patterns in medical images, chitectural marvel has been meticulously crafted to tackle diverse
making them invaluable for tasks such as tumor detection and data types and resolve distinct conundrums with remarkable
radiographic interpretation. From a global perspective, the finesse and efficacy.
adoption of IoT in healthcare is rapidly increasing, driven by
advances in deep learning, cloud computing, and mobile
technologies. Standards for healthcare IoT are evolving, with a
6. Deep learning applications in
significant focus on data security and privacy, especially in healthcare Internet of Things
regions with stringent regulations like the European Union. The Deep learning has a wide range of applications in healthcare IoT.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is It is extensively used in different disease diagnosis stages,
a US law enacted in 1996 to protect the privacy and security of enabling timely and improved diagnosis. Disease or medical
individuals’ medical information. On the other hand, the General diagnosis determines which disease or condition explains a
Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data person’s symptoms. Deep learning–based diagnostic methods
protection law enacted by the European Union in 2018. It applies and techniques help clinicians make reasonable and correct
to any organization handling the personal data of EU citizens, decisions in disease diagnosis. Moreover, it is very effective in
regardless of where the organization is located. CNNs are prediction. In prediction, we predict the occurrence of a future
particularly aligned with these global trends because they can be event, such as a disease in the future. Deep learning and IoT
integrated with privacy-preserving techniques such as federated technology pave the way for enhanced medical image analysis.
learning, where the model is trained across decentralized devices Deep learning models based on CNNs, a class of deep neural
holding local data samples without exchanging them. This networks, are used to analyze visual patterns. Such models have
approach is essential for complying with data protection become increasingly influential in recognizing abnormalities in
regulations while harnessing the power of deep learning in medical images like X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans,
healthcare settings. Moreover, as the IoT ecosystem continues to and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Wearable devices have
expand, the interoperability of different devices and systems lately become valuable tools for monitoring personal health and
becomes critical. CNNs, due to their widespread adoption and fitness, and the global market for such devices is increasing
support by major deep learning frameworks, offer a standardized rapidly [14, 15].
approach that can be more easily integrated across diverse
healthcare IoT platforms. CNNs are recommended as the most Wearable devices can collect information about the users’
suitable deep learning architecture for healthcare IoT. They offer activities, behavior, and lifestyle. This information is helpful for
a balanced combination of accuracy, scalability, and security, prevention and can support in leading a healthier and
which is crucial for the global adoption of IoT in healthcare. As independent life. By using deep learning technologies to analyze
standards continue to evolve, CNNs’ flexibility and compatibility data obtained from wearable devices, it is possible to provide
with privacy-preserving methods will likely make them the much more effective and personalized outputs in different
cornerstone of AI-driven healthcare solutions worldwide. applications, maybe in the context of fitness or healthcare. It also

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opens a new era in healthcare innovation induced by the develop- learning in healthcare IoT and make it successful. The digital
ment and rapid growth of the IoT. Every day, the amount of data health data must be adapted and utilized in several forms and
we create and our interactions with technology are growing. This from different clinical units and operations. Due to data analytics,
data has opened many new doors for the healthcare industry that new opportunities have sprung up in the field of medical data to
we could not have imagined in the past. Therefore, DLAs, such as provide personalized medicine, a new approach that is going to
CNN and RNN, are powerful due to their ability to understand shape the way that medical treatment is developed [17, 18]. The
and learn from data, and they are proving successful in helping integration of computational algorithms and advanced analytic
to bring the promise of IoT in healthcare to fruition. This methods has advocated the use of historical, clinical, genetic, and
development and acceleration of the healthcare IoT are only lifestyle data in producing new insights into disease diagnosis, in
possible because of the power of deep learning [15, 16]. Well- developing patient-centric care programs, and with the hope of
organized health and biomedical data, labeled and organized managing supply within the healthcare sector.
correctly, are required to improve the development of deep

Figure 1 • Deep learning applications in healthcare

Figure 1 illustrates the distribution of deep learning applications on observed symptoms and the prognosis of likely outcomes for
within the healthcare IoT sector across five key areas: disease the patient. Technology to support these processes has advanced
diagnosis, medical image analysis, health monitoring, wearable rapidly over the past years, and a range of experts have explored
devices, and telemedicine. According to the chart, medical image the potential for using deep learning and AI in this area. One of
analysis holds the highest usage percentage at 90%, reflecting the the key benefits of using deep learning for disease diagnosis and
significant impact of deep learning in analyzing complex medical prediction is that it allows complex, multilayered features and
images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to detect abnormali- relationships within patient data to be analyzed as a whole by
ties and assist in diagnosis. Disease diagnosis closely follows with combining and comparing a wide range of features—including
85%, underscoring the growing reliance on DLAs to support demographic information, complex medical histories, genetic
clinicians in accurately diagnosing various medical conditions. data and observed symptoms—in a way that takes account of
Health monitoring and wearable devices show substantial usage as many of the dimensions and variables within which diseases can
well, with 75% and 70%, respectively. These applications benefit present, this approach has the potential to result in more
from deep learning’s ability to process real-time data from accurate and more reliable diagnosis of a broader range of
wearable devices, enabling continuous monitoring of patient different diseases [19, 20]. Deep learning techniques using neural
health metrics, such as heart rate and activity levels. Lastly, networks have been applied to develop systems and algorithms
telemedicine, while still prominent, has a relatively lower usage to support medical practitioners in diagnosing and predicting the
percentage of 65%. This suggests that although deep learning is likely course of that disease, and work in this area is rapidly
increasingly being integrated into telemedicine solutions to advancing. My real ambition is to be able to move further toward
enhance remote diagnostics and patient care, there is still room for personalized treatment programs based on the particular genetic
further growth and adoption in this area. Overall, the chart and phenotypic characteristics displayed by the individual
highlights the widespread and varied applications of deep learning patient and the prediction of the likely progress of a disease in
within healthcare IoT, with a particular emphasis on its role in that patient [21–23]. The application of genetics and “precision
enhancing diagnostic accuracy and real-time health monitoring. medicine” techniques like this is a real current trend in many
areas of biomedicine, and the potential for using deep learning to
accelerate this trend is fascinating for medical researchers.
7. Disease diagnosis and prediction
Figure 2 depicts the progression of accuracy in disease diagnosis
A crucial aspect of medical practitioners’ work includes and prediction across five stages. As seen in the chart, the
diagnosing various diseases and other medical conditions based accuracy improves consistently as the process advances through

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each stage. Starting at 65% in Stage 1, the accuracy gradually diseases and predicting outcomes. The consistent upward
increases by 5% increments, reaching 85% by Stage 5. This trend trajectory reflects the potential for deep learning models to
suggests that as more data is processed or as DLAs refine their enhance diagnostic precision over time, making them a valuable
analysis, the system becomes increasingly accurate in diagnosing tool in medical diagnostics.

Figure 2 • Disease diagnosis and prediction accuracy over stages.

8. Medical image analysis provide valuable insights to radiologists and increase their trust in
the CAD system [27, 28].
This concept of creating visual explanations from the internal
mechanics of a DLA is known as “explainable AI,” an active For instance, the early and accurate detection of breast cancer is
research area in healthcare IoT. By employing deep learning crucial for the successful treatment of the disease. With the
methods, researchers hope to develop more advanced computer- development of advanced imaging techniques, digital mam-
aided detection (CAD) systems capable of achieving superior mography has become the most common screening and early
performance in detecting abnormalities and providing qualita- detection method. However, the large volume of image data
tive and quantitative image interpretation and decision support. generated by current digital mammography systems places a
Such technology can potentially revolutionize how mammogra- significant burden on the clinical workflow [29, 30]. Medical
phy screening is performed and improve the early detection of image analysis is a field of study that has seen tremendous
breast cancer [24–26]. advancements with the introduction of deep learning. Tradition-
ally, image recognition and interpretation were done by hand-
In recent years, many deep learning–based CAD systems have been engineered features, in which domain experts would decide on
proposed to identify and mark suspicious areas in mammogram specific image descriptors to extract in a pre-processing step.
images automatically. Such systems can provide a “second opinion” Subsequently, a machine learning algorithm would be used to
to the radiologists and help improve the accuracy and consistency in classify and interpret these extracted features [31, 32]. However,
the interpretation of mammograms. Moreover, the DLA can be this approach has many limitations in terms of accuracy and
designed to explain the decision-making process of the CAD system. generality. In contrast, deep learning–based methods automati-
This is achieved by overlaying the detected regions in the mammo- cally learn a hierarchy of features from the raw image data and
gram images with visual markers representing the activation of have shown state-of-the-art performance in many medical image
different layers in the algorithm. Such visual explanations can analysis tasks (Table 2).

Table 2 • Proposed approach versus existing methods

Metric Proposed Convolutional Recurrent Generative Traditional
approach (deep neural networks neural adversarial machine
learning in (CNNs) networks networks (GANs) learning models
healthcare IoT) (RNNs) (e.g., SVM,
decision trees)
Accuracy High accuracy in disease Very high accuracy in Good accuracy for Capable of generating Lower accuracy in
diagnosis and medical medical image analysis, sequential data (e.g., accurate synthetic data, complex medical data
image analysis due to particularly for spatial time-series health but depends on the due to limited feature
deep learning data. data). discriminator’s quality. extraction capabilities.

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architectures tailored
for healthcare IoT.

Efficiency Moderate to high; Efficient but requires Less efficient due to Computationally Generally efficient,
requires significant large datasets and backpropagation intensive; requires careful but may struggle with
computational power, computational resources. through time tuning of very large or complex
especially for real-time (BPTT). hyperparameters. datasets.
applications.

Scalability High scalability, Highly scalable, widely Scalable but limited Scalable with extensive Limited scalability;
particularly with edge supported by various by the complexity of data but requires not well suited for
computing and cloud deep learning sequential data. significant computational handling very large-
integration. frameworks. power. scale or high-
dimensional data.

Security Strong focus on data Can be integrated with Requires robust Can enhance data privacy Basic security
privacy with potential privacy-preserving encryption due to through synthetic data features; typically
integration of techniques but vulnerable sequential data generation, but may requires additional
blockchain and to adversarial attacks. handling. inadvertently learn measures for data
federated learning. sensitive information. privacy.

Interoperability Designed for seamless Good interoperability Moderate Moderate Limited

integration with diverse with major deep learning interoperability; best interoperability; often interoperability,
IoT devices and legacy frameworks. suited for specific used in specialized especially with
systems. types of data. applications. modern IoT systems.

Real-time Capable, especially with Effective for real-time Less suitable for real Not typically used for Generally not suitable
processing edge computing, but image processing with time due to real-time processing; for real-time
dependent on the adequate hardware. sequential more for generating processing without
hardware and network processing delays. synthetic data. significant
capabilities. optimization.

Data handling Excellent at handling Excels in handling large- Best suited for Effective in creating new Limited to predefined
vast and complex scale spatial data like sequential or time- data from existing features and less
datasets, extracting medical images. series data. datasets, but not for effective with complex
high-level features direct analysis. datasets.
automatically.

IoT, Internet of Things; SVM, support vector machines.

9. Health monitoring and wearable sleep apnea because wearable devices, AI, and complex algo-
rithms might help realize that. Remarkably, wearable devices
devices could become a tool without the help of deep learning and
Play the actuator. You can do so. Open your eyes and turn in your complex algorithms [34, 35].
feelings. Similar to blood pressure screens, wearable devices may
With the explosion of well-being wearable devices, the potential
also monitor the individual’s heart rhythm and electrocardio-
for using wearable devices and DLAs in telemedicine is surpris-
gram (ECG) signs when the individual is in movement. This
ing. Telemedicine is a strategy to diagnose and cure patients
permits a more exact reading and better discovery since some
through telecommunication technology. For example, health
ailments, such as arrhythmia, happen arbitrarily and are hard to
information can be delivered to health professionals for
catch with an on-the-spot ECG test [32]. In addition, during
chronically sick patients from rural locations. However, there is
sleep, the individual might have a kind of arrhythmia known as
always been a matter of the reliability of the health data gathered
atrial fibrillation. It is exceedingly tough to capture this arrhyth-
via telemedicine [36]. If the individual misuses the technology or
mia with a normal twice-per-day ECG scan. Nowadays, devices
sends erroneous data, it might lead to fatal mistakes in their
on the marketplace can perform sleep analyses and monitor one’s
treatment plan. Residents may leverage the DLAs to have the
heart rhythm in real time throughout the evening. Therefore,
ability to assist in early detection and, in the future, stop such an
long-term ECG monitoring does not require a full-time heart
issue [37, 38]. For example, deep learning and wearable devices
screen for a month; instead, it might be done for a few days,
have been implemented to detect convulsive seizures. A kind of
revealing the long-term information of their heart rhythm. In
monitor worn by patients will detect shaking or concussions on
addition, there are wearable devices that might help to monitor
the entire body and transmit the information to synchronized
an individual’s sleep at home [32, 33]. For example, a wearable
cellular devices such as telemedicine and synched monitors [39,
device known as a “smart belt” may discover sleep apnea from the
40]. When an attack is found, it will start to transmit the
heart rate movement and pattern in sleep position. From this, AI
information. Still, it may also send some information a couple of
could help improve the early identification of sleep apnea instead
minutes before, so a wearable device and deep learning could
of individually evaluating it by sleep specialists. Sleep apnea may
potentially have the ability to predict and give more precise data
increase the risk of heart disease strokes and can be a severe
on which incident the individual is afflicted by. This may be life-
illness. Therefore, early discovery is essential for a patient with
changing for patients who experience irregular seizures and who

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are worried about potential injuries that might occur if nobody is depends heavily on the availability of high-quality comprehen-
around to assist [41–43]. In addition, they may benefit from the sive data, which can often be incomplete or noisy in healthcare
capacity to help caregivers supply the ideal care and ease the settings. Ethical and legal considerations also pose significant
disturbance in day-to-day activities. hurdles, as the deployment of AI in healthcare involves critical
decisions about patient care and faces rigorous regulatory
scrutiny. In addition, there is a pronounced skill gap in the
10. Security and authorization in industry, requiring significant efforts in training and hiring pro-
healthcare Internet of Things fessional’s adept at managing these advanced technologies.
Finally, scalability and maintenance of AI systems as they expand
The integration of IoT in the healthcare sector presents signifi-
are critical, necessitating continuous updates and monitoring to
cant challenges related to the security and authorization of user
adapt to new healthcare practices and security challenges.
data. As IoT devices become increasingly interconnected, the risk
of unauthorized access to sensitive patient data also rises.
Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health- 12. Future directions for deep learning
care data is paramount, especially when such data is transmitted
across various devices and platforms. One of the key concerns in
in healthcare Internet of Things
healthcare IoT is the prevention of unauthorized access to patient The future of deep learning in healthcare IoT will likely focus on
data. This can be addressed through robust authorization enhancing data security through innovative technologies like
protocols and encryption techniques. For instance, role-based blockchain, which ensures data integrity and privacy. To achieve
access control (RBAC) can be implemented to ensure that only seamless device integration and comprehensive data analyses,
authorized healthcare professionals have access to specific standardization of data formats and communication protocols
patient data, thereby minimizing the risk of data breaches [41– will be crucial. The adoption of edge computing will address
43]. In addition, end-to-end encryption ensures that data computational constraints by enabling local data processing,
transmitted between IoT devices and central servers remains which is essential for real-time medical interventions. Moreover,
secure and inaccessible to unauthorized entities. Moreover, the generation of high-quality synthetic data can mitigate issues
advanced security frameworks, such as those recommended by of data scarcity and privacy in model training. Ethical considera-
the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, emphasize tions will also guide the development of transparent AI systems
the need for secure authentication mechanisms and continuous that are capable of explaining their decisions, thus building trust
monitoring of IoT networks to detect and mitigate potential among healthcare professionals. Addressing the skill gap with
security threats in real time. IEEE standards, such as IEEE cross-disciplinary training programs that merge healthcare
802.1X for port-based network access control, provide guidelines knowledge with AI expertise will be vital. Future research should
for securing network access, which is crucial in preventing also aim at developing adaptive AI models that evolve with
unauthorized devices from connecting to healthcare networks ongoing medical discoveries and patient data to enhance
and accessing sensitive data. diagnostic and treatment accuracies. Furthermore, the creation
of more patient-centric applications and fostering open collab-
Furthermore, the adoption of blockchain technology in healthcare
oration platforms will accelerate innovation, making personal-
IoT can offer an additional layer of security. Blockchain’s
ized and efficient healthcare solutions a reality.
decentralized nature and cryptographic security features make it
an ideal solution for ensuring the integrity and traceability of
patient data. By recording every transaction on a distributed 13. Recommendation
ledger, blockchain can prevent unauthorized alterations and
ensure that patient data is only accessible by authorized parties, as To maximize the potential of deep learning in healthcare IoT, it is
outlined in various IEEE publications on blockchain applications recommended that stakeholders invest in robust security
in IoT. As the healthcare sector continues to embrace IoT frameworks to protect sensitive health data, employing advanced
technologies, it is crucial to prioritize security and authorization technologies such as blockchain for enhanced data integrity and
measures. By adhering to established IEEE standards and incor- privacy. Healthcare organizations should prioritize the stand-
porating innovative technologies such as blockchain, healthcare ardization of IoT device protocols and data formats to facilitate
organizations can safeguard patient data from unauthorized access better integration and interoperability across different systems. The
and ensure compliance with global data protection regulations. deployment of edge computing should be accelerated to handle real-
time data processing needs efficiently, directly at the source of data
collection. In addition, to address the challenges associated with data
11. Challenges of implementing deep quality and availability, the development and use of synthetic data
learning in healthcare Internet of Things should be encouraged as it allows for the expansion of training
datasets while ensuring patient privacy. Ethical guidelines for AI use
Implementing deep learning architectures in healthcare IoT faces in healthcare should be established and maintained to ensure
numerous challenges, including data privacy and security transparency and trustworthiness in AI-driven decision-making
concerns due to the sensitive nature of health information and processes. Furthermore, educational initiatives need to be expanded
stringent compliance requirements. Interoperability issues arise to bridge the skill gap, combining healthcare knowledge with AI
from the need to integrate a diverse array of devices and legacy expertise through interdisciplinary training programs. Finally,
systems, each with different data formats and protocols. The fostering collaborative environments that encourage the sharing of
substantial computational power required for processing large innovations and best practices between academia, technology
datasets and complex models can strain resources, especially in providers, and healthcare institutions will be critical in driving
real-time applications. Moreover, the efficacy of deep learning forward the advancements in healthcare IoT.

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14. Conclusions Informed consent statement

The integration of deep learning in healthcare IoT heralds a
transformative era in medical practice and patient care. This Not applicable.
technology’s ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data
from various sources medical imaging, wearable devices, and
patient records unlocks unprecedented capabilities in disease
Additional information
diagnosis, treatment planning, and health monitoring. As dem- Received: 2024-05-09
onstrated, deep learning architectures offer remarkable enhance- Accepted: 2024-10-15
ments in predictive analytics and diagnostic accuracy, crucial for
early detection of conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Published: 2024-11-11
However, the success of these technologies in healthcare depends Academia Medicine papers should be cited as Academia Medicine
not only on their computational capabilities but also on 2024, ISSN 2994-435X, https://doi.org/10.20935/AcadMed7394.
addressing significant challenges such as data privacy, system The journal’s official abbreviation is Acad. Med.
interoperability, and the need for robust security frameworks.
Moreover, the ethical considerations in deploying AI must be
rigorously managed to maintain trust and reliability in medical Publisher’s note
AI systems. Moving forward, it is imperative for stakeholders to
Academia.edu Journals stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional
invest in advanced technologies like blockchain to ensure data
claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. All claims
integrity and privacy, and to promote the standardization of IoT
expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not
device protocols to enhance system interoperability. Edge
necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or
computing should be expanded to meet the real-time processing
those of the publisher, the editors, and the reviewers. Any
demands of healthcare IoT applications effectively. While deep
product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may
learning presents a powerful tool for revolutionizing healthcare,
be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by
its full potential will only be realized through continued innova-
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tion, responsible management of ethical and privacy concerns,
and collaborative efforts among technologists, clinicians, and
policymakers. By addressing these challenges and focusing on Copyright
scalable, secure, and patient-centric solutions, deep learning can
significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of health- © 2024 copyright by the authors. This article is an open access
care services, paving the way for a future where healthcare is article distributed under the terms and conditions of the
more predictive, personalized, and accessible. Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creative
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Funding
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