Internet of Things in Medical Education: A Systematic Mapping Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Digital Health Innovations
• Educational Research Methodologies

Background:

• The Internet of Things (IoT) presents novel opportunities for transforming medical education and training.
• Existing research on IoT in medical education requires systematic mapping to understand current advancements and trends.
• Key research questions focus on identifying developmental trends and activities within this evolving field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically map and identify current advancements in the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) within medical education.
• To analyze trends and activities in the development of IoT technologies for medical training and education.
• To synthesize existing research on IoT's role in enhancing medical learning environments.

Main Methods:

• A systematic mapping review was conducted, involving keyword searches across major scientific databases (IEEE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science).
• Initial retrieval of 285 papers was refined to 204 unique studies, followed by a two-stage selection process yielding 28 eligible papers.
• Data extraction focused on research development trends and geographical distribution of IoT in medical education studies.

Main Results:

• The majority of publications (79%) were peer-reviewed journal articles, with the United States leading research contributions from 13 countries.
• IoT applications spanned curriculum development, clinical skills training, patient simulation, telemedicine, and distance learning, with general medicine being a primary focus.
• Studies included pilot projects, laboratory experiments, and feasibility assessments, demonstrating diverse applications of IoT devices and sensors.

Conclusions:

• Wearable technology and IoT applications hold significant potential for improving educational outcomes and practices in medicine.
• The adaptability of IoT devices across various medical education domains can revolutionize teaching, learning, research, and clinical practice.
• Findings encourage medical education leaders and policymakers to explore IoT's capabilities for enhanced educational experiences and results.