The Future of mHealth
Posted by Jay Gronlund on Wed, Feb 10, 2010 @ 10:45 AM
Mobile Health is
About to Explode But
Key Challenges Remain
By David Sanderson and Jay Gronlund
Global Partners Priniciples
Today in the U.S., 45% of the population (133 million) suffers from at least one chronic disease, and they account for 75% of the $1.7 trillion spent on healthcare today. Importantly, two-thirds of adults over 65 have multiple chronic health conditions, and this is the age group least familiar with the internet.
On a personal level, almost everyone knows someone with a chronic disease. Most likely it is a form of diabetes, asthma or congestive heart problems, the three most common chronic illnesses. When chronic disease directly affects someone or involves a friend or relative, people naturally worry as they become acutely aware of their vulnerabilities, yet feel that they cannot spend the time constantly monitoring their state of health. Instead, the natural tendency is to have frequent check-ups and to contact a physician whenever there is some kind of "red flag" or unusual symptom arising.
But often it is too late!
Fortunately, these concerns and risks may soon become passé. The omnipresence of the internet has contributed to phenomenal advancements in remote health monitoring and communications, also known as‘ mHeath', among patients and healthcare professionals - physicians, nurses, providers/insurance carriers, payers and other healthcare administrators. While the technology for mHeath devices has progressed to the point where the ease of adaptation and use should no longer be an issue, major challenges remain, especially involving behavioral changes. And senior citizens who have the highest incidence of multiple chronic diseases are typically the most reluctant to change (by 2030, about 71.5 million will be over 65, compared to 37 million in 2006).
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Jay Gronlund is a Principal at Global Partners who focuses in the areas of brand development, new product launch and marketing in emerging economies. For more information, interested readers can contact Jay at jgronlund@globalpartnersinc.com
David Sanderson is a Principal at Global Partners who focuses in areas at the intersection of technology, consumer products and healthcare. David has over 20 years of international management experience with Global consumer product leaders such as Reebok, technology leaders such as ST Microelectronics and Healthcare leaders such as MedApps. For more information, interested readers can contact Dave at dsanderson@globalpartnersinc.com