Healthcare providers are keenly aware of the benefits in detecting a disease early, because more often than not the outcome is much more positive. This requires individuals to take matters in to their own hands and educate themselves about different illnesses and their symptoms in order to take the appropriate action as soon as possible. Using existing technologies as well as resources from healthcare providers and insurance companies, today’s consumer can take proactive measures to stay healthy and catch diseases very early. A new research report from Berg Insight has revealed the number of Europeans using connected care solutions to monitor their health will grow from the 4.7 million in 2013 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2 percent to reach 13.7 million by 2019.
According to the report, individuals were using tele-care, next-generation tele-care and telehealth solutions in the EU28+2 countries. While traditional tele-care is the most popular technology currently being used in Europe, Berg Insight believes next-generation tele-care and telehealth market segments are in a strong growth phase even though the industry is still evolving.
The report highlights the challenges the European market will face as the union continues to modernize its PSTN infrastructure with digital telephone networks. While several countries have already started the digitization process, the European Union (EU) is comprised of 28 member states and many of them don’t have the necessary capital to upgrade the infrastructure at the same time. This means there will be different tier services being offered throughout the EU until everyone acquires the same capability.
The new solutions offered with digital technology will give individuals and the healthcare provider access to advanced telehealth solutions supporting different functionalities, including remote visits, video communications and telemonitoring using blood pressure monitors, blood sugar monitors, scales and more.
“There is a strong need for solutions that enable social care and healthcare services to be delivered more cost-efficiently without compromising the quality of care”, said Lars Kurkinen, Senior Analyst, Berg Insight.
The telehealth market is also set to grow globally as broadband and mobile technology continue to increase adoption. According to IHS Technology, it will grow tenfold from 2013 to 2018, to $4.5 billion in deployments. Whether it is rural areas in the U.S. with limited health care professionals or developing countries looking for world class services, telehealth technology can provide a great alternative to a brick-and-mortar facility.
“Amid rising expenses, an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the healthcare industry must change the way it operates,” said Roeen Roashan, medical devices and digital health analyst at IHS Technology. “Telehealth represents an attractive solution to these challenges, increasing the quality of care while reducing overall healthcare expenditures.”
Edited by
Stefania Viscusi
