Exploring Factors Affecting the Adoption of IoT in Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into healthcare promises significant advancements in patient care and operational efficiency, while simultaneously posing substantial cybersecurity threats to sensitive personal data. Methods: This paper employs a systematic literature review (SLR) to investigate the factors influencing IoT adoption in healthcare, clarify research trends, and examine the impact of cybersecurity. Eligibility criteria were established, focusing on peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 across five reputable databases, ultimately identifying 79 relevant articles. Results: Analysis revealed active research in countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, the USA, China, Malaysia, and Pakistan, with notable publication peaks in 2019 and 2022. Most studies (60.8%) employed quantitative methods, reflecting a preference for statistical analysis, while personal IoT health devices-particularly wearables and smart home technologies-were prominent, referenced in 27.8% of the literature. The technology acceptance model (TAM) and its variants emerged as dominant frameworks, underscoring a focus on user acceptance. A total of 139 indicators influencing IoT adoption were categorized into individual, technological, security, environmental, and 'other' factors. Despite the rigorous search process, some relevant studies may have been overlooked, indicating a limitation in the review. Conclusions: Addressing these gaps is vital for enhancing security measures in IoT applications, contributing to data protection and ensuring continuity of care in an increasingly interconnected healthcare ecosystem. This synthesis of current research underscores the necessity for ongoing exploration of IoT's implications for both patient care and cybersecurity in healthcare settings.