Research predicts growth for mobile health devices

There are numerous promising signs for the use of innovative products in mobile health. From scientific research out of Stanford University suggesting how biosensors could be used for early detection of disease to new partnerships devoted to setting standards for the clinical use of wearables, it seems digital devices will be a major part of health care delivery in the years to come. A new report from ABI Research supported high expectations for mobile health.

Projecting the road ahead for digital health

ABI Research predicted a lucrative future ahead for manufacturers of mobile health devices, projecting rapid expansion in the patient monitoring wearable market. The researchers forecast 35 percent growth by 2021, with the devices taking over a 60 percent share of the patient monitoring market. If these projections are correct, the 8 million shipments of these products in 2016 would increase to 33 million in 2021.

The report pointed out numerous advantages to integrating digital health products into routine clinical practice. Using wearables may make it possible to cut rates of serious trauma and readmission. These developments will help medical professionals to cope more effectively with a value-based care model, catching problems earlier and taking proactive steps.

The power of mobile health products

According to the report's predictions, the wide variety of wearables made possible by medical device design and development will empower improvements in care. Medical professionals can work effectively with more patients, thanks to constant updates on patients' conditions. Doctors will be able to remotely keep track of information like vital signs and catch concerning shifts instantly.

The report cited blood pressure monitors, continuous glucose monitors, pulse oximeters and a device for monitoring fatigue among the mobile health products that could have a positive effect on both treatment and the market for wearables. Based on these shifts, the researchers expect wider adoption of wearables in hospitals and medical practices is on its way. Stephanie Lawrence, a research analyst at ABI Research, commented on the most promising developments in the field in a press release.

"While previously professional-grade patient monitoring largely limited itself to a doctor's rounds, new wearables allow medical professionals to remotely and continuously monitor patients in the hospital and beyond," Lawrence said. "The devices send real-time alerts regarding any condition deteriorations or fluctuations, in effect reducing response times to potentially life-threatening changes and saving the healthcare system resources in the long term."

Mobile products will continue to transform the landscape of medicine. The changes ahead will have major implications for health care outcomes and the industry in consumer health product design.