Healthcare services are a crucial economic sector in Europe, contributing almost 10% of the GDP, 15% of government expenditure, and employing 8.3% of the total EU workforce.
In recent years, it has gained a significant importance and witnessed a digital transformation.
Today, it’s deemed as one of the main pillars of the EU’s digital strategy. member states are committed to establish a competitive European Health Union.
Many initiatives have been introduced within this context. The strategy Shaping Europe’s Digital Future for instance outlines the power of data and how it is essential in the health sector. By 2030, the EU aims to improve the ability for all European citizens to access and control their electronic health records (EHR) and targets a 100% service coverage.
In order to achieve these goals, it’s undeniable nowadays that mhealth is a key factor. That’s why we can depict a significant interest in this field within the current strategy.
M-health, which encompasses mobile applications and services that deliver healthcare solutions via smartphones and other mobile devices, is soaring as a cornerstone in achieving a people-centered and accessible healthcare system across the continent. This shift is propelled by the increasing penetration of smartphones, the escalating need for remote patient monitoring, and the pressing demands of an aging population coupled with the rise in chronic diseases and lack of health professionals.
The Rise of M-Health in Europe
In 2021, the largest share of the European digital health market belonged to the mobile health sector.
This growth is driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones, increasing internet penetration, and the escalating need for remote patient monitoring.
In 2019, 92% of young people in the EU-27 countries used their mobile phones to access the internet, with 94% of them using the Internet daily. This extensive smartphone usage provides a robust foundation for the proliferation of m-health applications.
This evolution can also be a consequence of the EU’s overmentioned strategy.
In fact, the promotion of these types of e-health services has been emphasized by the adoption of new measures on a regional level. Initiatives including digital inclusion plans, 5G deployments are just an example among others targeting increase demand a user demand exposure.
Enhancing Accessibility and Patient-Centered Care
One of the main pillars of the regional e-health strategy is personalized healthcare services and patient-centered care.
M-health technologies are crucial in bridging the accessibility gap in healthcare. They offer solutions that make healthcare services more accessible, especially to vulnerable populations in remote and underserved areas. For instance, telemedicine apps enable patients to consult with healthcare professionals without the need for physical visits, thus overcoming geographical barriers.
Moreover, m-health applications empower patients by providing them with tools to manage their health proactively. Apps that track vital signs, remind patients to take medications, or offer personalized health advice based on real-time data are transforming patients into active participants in their healthcare journeys.
This continuous stream of data also facilitates timely medical interventions, and personalized treatment plans and allows a greater chance of early diagnosis.
Addressing the Challenges of Chronic Diseases
Europe faces a significant burden of chronic diseases.
M-health solutions play a pivotal role in managing these conditions by enabling continuous monitoring and timely interventions. For example, mobile apps that track blood sugar levels, blood pressure, or respiratory function allow for real-time data collection and transmission to healthcare providers.
Supporting Healthcare Professionals
The deficiency in healthcare workforces is a recurrent problem in Europe. This issue has been unveiled during the pandemic period. In their program, EU members tried to remediate to this situation by resorting to m-health solutions.
Mobile applications for electronic health records (EHRs), remote diagnostics, and teleconsultations streamline workflows and reduce administrative burdens. For example, apps that facilitate quick access to patient data, medical histories, and diagnostic results enable healthcare providers to make informed decisions promptly. Additionally, telemedicine platforms expand the reach of specialists, allowing them to consult on cases from distant locations.
Government Initiatives and Funding
Government initiatives and funding are essential for the widespread adoption and implementation of m-health technologies in Europe. The European Union has been working on various programs and regulations, such as the European Health Data Space (EHDS) initiative, which aims to encourage health data sharing across the EU while maintaining stringent data protection standards.
Additionally, the EU has launched several initiatives and provided grants and loans through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) to support Member States in advancing their eHealth systems, mandating that at least 20% of the total funding be allocated towards the digital transition. National governments are also investing in digital health infrastructure and initiatives. France’s « My Health 2022 » plan focuses on enhancing eHealth capabilities, including implementing electronic health records and telemedicine services.
In the context of Horizon 2020, the WHO-ITU mHealth Hub project, funded by the EU, was established to incorporate mobile health solutions into European healthcare systems, ensuring their effective use. This initiative created a centralized « knowledge and innovation hub » to monitor and promote m-health adoption, developing national m-health interventions in several EU member states, and introducing tools focused on non-communicable diseases like diabetes. The hub collaborates with national policymakers to develop tailored strategies and supports interoperability and standardization of health information sharing across Europe.
By leveraging mobile technologies, m-health solutions enhance accessibility, empower patients, support healthcare professionals, and address the challenges of chronic diseases. With continued investment and innovation, m-health has the potential to transform the European healthcare landscape, making high-quality inclusive healthcare services.
Sources :
https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/441971-health-for-all-european-mobile-health-hub/frhttps://www.who.int/initiatives/behealthy/our-work/horizon-2020https://www.precedenceresearch.com/mhealth-markethttps://www.statista.com/statistics/1421686/government-sponsored-mhealth-programs-in-europe/https://vitaltransformation.com/2014/11/tempest-mhealth-mhealth-in-28-eu-member-states/https://www.numerikare.be/fr/actualites/e-health/mhealthbelgium-nbsp-plus-d-rsquo-informations-fiables-sur-les-apps-mobiles-medicales.htmlhttps://www.statista.com/statistics/1421685/mhealth-services-and-policies-in-europe/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309609754_The_status_of_mHealth_in_Europe_and_a_review_of_regulative_challengeshttps://cdn.digitaleurope.org/uploads/2019/01/DIGITALEUROPE%20Position%20Paper%20on%20mHealth.pdf
