Mobile-health smartphone applications will take off in 2012, reaching $1.3 billion, according to a recent survey by market research and consultancy firm Research2guidance. The group estimates the current market size at $718 million.
“We think the m-health market will be mainly driven by private persons using m-health apps to improve their daily lives and pay for it themselves,” Research2guidance co-founder, Ralf-Gordon Jahns told RCR Wireless News.
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The research and consultancy firm also noted that, despite this substantial growth, the m-health market is still in an embryonic state and is small in comparison to the $6 trillion global healthcare market.
Research2guidance highlighted smartphone penetration as a driver for m-health market growth over the next couple of years. The firm says the number of m-health application users – mobile users who download an m-health application at least once – will reach 247 million this year, compared to the 124 million users who downloaded m-health application to their smartphone in 2011.
In order to better understand this study, RCR Wireless News addressed some questions to co-founder, Ralf-Gordon Jahns.
RCR Wireless News: Is there a region that may push up the growth in m-health market? Are there any segments that might contribute to its growth?
Jahns: We think the m-health market will be mainly driven by private persons using m-health apps to improve their daily lives and pay for it themselves. This phase will last 3 to 5 years. Therefore countries where people are used to pay for health services and have a high smartphone penetration will lead the market. (e.g. USA, Switzerland, Mexico).
RCRWN: In the study, you mentioned smartphone applications. Do you consider tablets and what would be their role?
Jahns: Tablets are included in our study. They will be the key tool for professional mHealth practitioner while their are on duty.
RCRWN: Regarding best study cases, are there companies that you could point out as good examples? What do they do?
Jahns: There are best practises for each m-health app category. To point out a few which we think are a good show case where m-health apps are moving to you can have a look at Whitings and Medisana.
RCRWN: Looking forward, what is your perspective for next year?
Jahns: Looking ahead we will see lots of interesting sensor and service based business concepts for remote monitoring which will take more and more market share in the m-health app market. The growth of the market will be mainly driven by patients and health-conscious people.
