Trends, Technologies, and Key Challenges in Smart and Connected Healthcare.

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Digital Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are a leading global cause of death, with increasing rates exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The pandemic has strained healthcare resources, necessitating innovative solutions for effective and preventive care.
• Smart and Connected Health (SCH) presents a strategic approach to reshape healthcare delivery, offering value-added services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify state-of-the-art Smart and Connected Health (SCH) technologies through a comprehensive literature review.
• To define SCH features and identify technology-related challenges hindering its adoption.
• To propose an architectural model for SCH solutions, considering technology, environment, and stakeholders.

Main Methods:

• Extensive literature review and analysis of existing SCH technologies and their applications.
• Classification of SCH technologies, including big data, cloud computing, IoT, AI, robotics, blockchain, and mobile applications.
• Development of a reference architectural model for SCH implementation and acceptance.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive classification of SCH technologies and their features.
• Identification of key challenges associated with SCH adoption in healthcare.
• A proposed architectural model serving as a reference for SCH solutions.
• Demonstration of SCH's role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic across various stages.

Conclusions:

• Smart and Connected Health (SCH) is crucial for addressing global health challenges like CVD and pandemics.
• Overcoming adoption challenges is essential for realizing the full potential of SCH.
• Further research directions are needed to enhance patient-centric healthcare through SCH innovations.