The Rise of Quantum IoT in Smart Healthcare: A Technical Review of Frameworks and Future Directions

Abstract

The rapid digitalization of healthcare through Internet-connected medical devices has enabled remote monitor-ing and data-driven clinical decision-making. However, classical Internet of Things (IoT)-based healthcare systems face significant limitations in terms of computational capability, scalability, and cybersecurity. The Quantum Internet of Things (QIoT) introduces a transformative approach by integrating quantum sensing, quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum imaging into healthcare ecosystems. This paper presents a comprehensive technical review of QIoT applications in smart healthcare, focusing on architectural frameworks, enabling technologies, and security me-chanisms. A unified six-layer QIoT architecture is analyzed, incorporating device, network, edge, cloud, application, and management layers. Recent advancements (2021–2025) in quantum key distribution, quantum machine learning, and post-quantum cryptography are critically examined. Furthermore, practical deployment challenges such as cost, hardware limitations, and integration with existing healthcare systems are discussed. The paper also outlines future research direc-tions toward the realization of Healthcare 5.0.