A strong case for telehealth in Europe
As healthcare providers juggle tighter budgets, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and an aging population, they are exploring new avenues to provide healthcare cost effectively. This implies changes to the underlying approach towards the delivery of healthcare from a reactive towards a proactive, more preventive mode. Modern communication technology and devices as well as the adaptation of computer equipment have made it possible to equip homes with devices that enable the daily recording of a person’s vital signs. Given that healthcare providers spend significant amounts of their budgets on patients with chronic diseases, there is a strong case for the deployment of telehealth solutions to address the cost and efficiency issues of healthcare delivery. However, realizing the full value of these solutions will require both vendors and providers to consider carefully the readiness and appetite for telehealth.
SUMMARY
Impact
Ovum view
Key messages
KEY DRIVERS OF TELEHEALTH
An aging population will strain current systems
Telehealth uptake benefits from a large rural population
The rising financial burden of chronic diseases
ARE WE READY FOR TELEHEALTH?
Is the underlying infrastructure in place?
Broadband penetration is key
THE EUROPEAN POTENTIAL FOR TELEHEALTH
Important policy issues need to be resolved
Telehealth set to thrive in a home setting
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for healthcare providers
Recommendations for vendors
Alternative views
APPENDIX
Definition of telehealth
Further reading
Methodology
Impact
Ovum view
Key messages
KEY DRIVERS OF TELEHEALTH
An aging population will strain current systems
Telehealth uptake benefits from a large rural population
The rising financial burden of chronic diseases
ARE WE READY FOR TELEHEALTH?
Is the underlying infrastructure in place?
Broadband penetration is key
THE EUROPEAN POTENTIAL FOR TELEHEALTH
Important policy issues need to be resolved
Telehealth set to thrive in a home setting
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for healthcare providers
Recommendations for vendors
Alternative views
APPENDIX
Definition of telehealth
Further reading
Methodology
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: The prevalence of diabetes in the EU
Table 2: Consumer broadband penetration levels in Europe, 2009–2014
Table 1: The prevalence of diabetes in the EU
Table 2: Consumer broadband penetration levels in Europe, 2009–2014
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Average life expectancy for men and women in the EU
Figure 2: The ten ‘oldest’ EU countries, 2009
Figure 3: Population age distribution 1980 to 2050 across all OECD countries
Figure 4: Demographics: 1980 to 2050 across EU25 countries
Figure 5: Rural population as a proportion of total population across, EU27 member states in 2009
Figure 6: Telehealth solutions pose different levels of demand on infrastructure
Figure 7: The deployment of telehealth in the EU
Figure 1: Average life expectancy for men and women in the EU
Figure 2: The ten ‘oldest’ EU countries, 2009
Figure 3: Population age distribution 1980 to 2050 across all OECD countries
Figure 4: Demographics: 1980 to 2050 across EU25 countries
Figure 5: Rural population as a proportion of total population across, EU27 member states in 2009
Figure 6: Telehealth solutions pose different levels of demand on infrastructure
Figure 7: The deployment of telehealth in the EU
