## 5 Key Enabling Technologies of Healthcare 4.0
### Blockchain  
Blockchain is a promising technology that can assist Healthcare 4.0 and IoMT applications in various ways. It can offer robust solutions to address data security, interoperability, transparency, and patient control challenges. These are critical issues with Healthcare 4.0 and IoMT systems [96]. This ultimately improves the efficacy and reliability of healthcare systems. Blockchain can assist Healthcare 4.0 and IoMT systems as follows [96; 97; 98]. 1. Data security and integrity: Blockchain provides a transparent and immutable ledger where data transactions can be securely recorded. It utilizes cryptographic algorithms to create a tamper-proof and transparent record of all transactions or changes made to the data. Once a block is added to the chain, it cannot be altered without consensus among the network participants. This ensures that patient data remains unchanged and maintains its integrity. Blockchain ensures the integrity and authenticity of \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c l} \hline \hline
**Benefit** & **How It Assists Healthcare 4.0 and IoMT** \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Reducing latency} & \(\bullet\) & Processing data at the edge, near the patient or device, minimizes the time it takes for data to travel to a central location. \\  & \(\bullet\) & This reduced latency is critical for real-time health monitoring, emergency responses, and critical care scenarios. \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Enhanced privacy and security} & \(\bullet\) & With distributed edge computing, sensitive healthcare data can be processed locally, reducing the need for transmitting it over the Internet or to centralized servers. \\  & \(\bullet\) & This approach improves data privacy and security, minimizing the chances of unauthorized access or data breaches. \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Bandwidth optimization} & \(\bullet\) & Healthcare 4.0 and IoMT generate massive amounts of data, which can strain network bandwidth if transmitted to the cloud for processing. \\  & \(\bullet\) & By leveraging distributed edge computing, data can be processed, filtered, and aggregated at the edge, minimizing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the network. This optimization improves overall network efficiency. \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Reliable connectivity} & \(\bullet\) & In healthcare, consistent data connectivity is vital. The ultimate connectivity requirements of Healthcare 4.0 and IoMT can be assisted by distributed computing. \\  & \(\bullet\) & Edge computing allows IoMT devices to continue functioning even during intermittent or unstable network connections. By storing critical data locally, healthcare systems can continue to operate even if the network goes down temporarily. \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Real-time analytics and decision-making} & \(\bullet\) & Time-sensitive healthcare applications depend on real-time data analysis and prompt decision-making. Distributed edge computing enables data processing locally, facilitating instant insights and reducing response times. \\  & \(\bullet\) & This is essential for monitoring patient vitals, detecting anomalies, and triggering timely interventions. \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Cost efficiency} & \(\bullet\) & Offloading computation and storage to local edge servers can reduce the need for expensive cloud infrastructure and bandwidth. \\  & \(\bullet\) & Also, it simplifies the requirements of the core network. This can lower operational costs associated with data transmission and storage, making healthcare services more affordable. \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Offline assistance} & \(\bullet\) & In some healthcare scenarios, network connectivity may not always be reliable or available. \\  & & Distributed edge computing allows health systems to function offline or with intermittent connectivity by processing data locally. \\ \cline{1-1}  & \(\bullet\) & This ensures uninterrupted patient care and data collection even in challenging network conditions. \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 11: Benefits of distributed edge computing to Healthcare 4.0 and IoMT.