PwC: mHealth led by emerging markets

By Rob Starr, Content Manager, Big4.com

In the report, ‘Emerging mHealth: Paths for growth, ’the Economic Intelligence Unit, commissioned by PwC, examines the current state and potential of mHealth in developed and emerging markets, the ongoing barriers to its adoption and implications for companies in the field. In developing this report, two surveys were carried out in ten countries: Brazil, South Africa, China, Denmark, Germany, India, Spain, Turkey, the UK and the US. The first survey asked 1,027 patients about their opinions on various aspects of mHealth

mHealth is defined as the provision of healthcare or health-related information through the use of mobile devices (typically mobile phones, but also other specialised medical mobile devices, such as wireless monitors). Mobile applications and services can include remote patient monitors, video conferencing, online consultations, personal healthcare devices, wireless access to patient records and prescriptions. Mobile technology has added a new dimension to the delivery of healthcare by connecting patient and healthcare providers real-time.

“Despite the potential benefits of mHealth, rapid adoption is not yet taking place,” says Dr Simon Samaha PwC Physician Leader for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  “While the majority of consumers believe that mobile technology will improve the efficiency, cost and quality of healthcare, the industry is reluctant to encourage patients to make use of the service, with some believing that patients will become too independent resulting in healthcare professionals losing income.”