The value of eHealth (electronic health) to the future of health care cannot be understated. It is changing the way healthcare is delivered and how health systems respond to the needs of populations.


Advancements – such as MD consultations via video, phone and text messaging, electronic medical records and mobile technologies for patients – increase access to and usage of health services and contribute to improved availability of population health data.1

Supranational health entities recognize the value and potential of eHealth, evidenced by the 2018 World Health Assembly resolution to make digital health interventions mainstream.2 Regional authorities and national governments are also taking action. The European Commission implemented the 2012-2020 eHealth Action Plan to ensure its citizens have access to safe and high-quality digital health services in.3 National governments of more than half of WHO Member States are including eHealth in national health plans and are establishing stand-alone eHealth strategies to increase cost-effectiveness, broaden access and improve quality of services. According to WHO, 90% of countries with an eHealth strategy have allocated special funding for its implementation.4

Why eHealth matters to industry 

eHealth is not just another health policy trend – it impacts all stakeholders in the healthcare and technology sectors, least of which is the pharmaceutical industry. Industry stakeholders must understand the eHealth market and be prepared to leverage the benefits of related technological advances, economic investment, and social and cultural changes. Industry has an opportunity to help enable and strengthen eHealth strategies:

Partner with governments on eHealth initiatives and advance goals for universal health coverage (UHC) and improved population health outcomes.
Companies interested in developing products in this space may be able to leverage available funding opportunities to strengthen R&D initiatives. 

Improvements to the availability of quality data through eHealth initiatives facilitates evidence-based decision-making. The paucity of data to support evidence-based decision making is often a major barrier to achieving industry policy goals. However, the large amounts of patient and health information now being collected and integrated can address this issue as helping to identify trends and solutions. 

The positive impact of medical interventions – treatments, diagnostics, devices, etc. – on health outcomes will not be diminished by limited patient access or poor healthcare delivery. This could support inclusion of new medical interventions in government formularies, clinical guidelines and standards of care. 

How can Policy Wisdom support you?

Policy Wisdom is uniquely suited to help you succeed in the growing field of eHealth. Our capabilities in policy analysis, geopolitical stakeholder assessment, tailored strategic planning and environmental monitoring will help us advise you on the best way to implement eHealth strategies and initiatives in countries across the globe.

Click here for more information on our eHealth capabilities and services
References:
1. Ho, K., Al-Shorjabki, N., Brown, E., Zelmer, J., Gabor, N., & Maedar, A. (2016). Applying the Resilient Health System Framework for Universal Health Coverage . The Promise of New Technologies in an Age of New Health Challenges, 54-62.
2. World Health Organization. (2018). Digital health. World Health Organization.
3. European Commission. (2018). Communication on enabling the digital transformation of health and care in the Digital Single Market; empowering citiz. European Commission.
4. World Health Organization. (2016). Global diffusion of eHealth: Making universal health coverage achievable. World Health Organization.
5. China Medical Tourism. (2018). Digital Health Market. Retrieved from China Medical Tourism: https://chinamedicaltourismconference.com/digital-health/.
6. Dr Hempel Digital Health Network. (2018, October 18). Digital health market in India over the next ten years. Retrieved from Dr Hempel Digital Health Network: https://www.dr-hempel-network.com/growth-of-digital-health-market/digital-health-market-in-india/.
7. Market Watch. (2018, December 5). Digital Health Market Size to surpass $379 Bn by 2024. Retrieved from Market Watch: https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/digital-health-market-size-to-surpass-379-bn-by-2024-2018-12-05.
8. Business Wire. (2018, April 19). Global Digital Health Market – Rising Applications of Business Intelligence Tools to Drive Growth. Business Wire.