Securing healthcare IoT: a meta-synthesis of challenges, solutions, and technology convergence

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed the healthcare industry, with technologies such as big data, blockchain, and artificial intelligence driving significant benefits through technology convergence. However, Healthcare IoT (H-IoT) systems face persistent security and privacy challenges. This meta-synthesis analyzes the current literature to identify key aspects of H-IoT security, including requirements, threats, and proposed technical solutions, while emphasizing the role of technology convergence in addressing these issues. The reviewed studies are categorized into two groups: qualitative research (focused on security features, requirements, threats, and attacks) and quantitative research (organized into six technical solution domains: blockchain; cryptography; authentication schemes and protocols; artificial intelligence and machine learning; H-IoT systems with embedded security solutions; and security and privacy frameworks). Finally, future research directions are explored to emphasize the critical role of technology convergence in enhancing H-IoT security.