UK to be 'catapulted to forefront of telehealth'

Friday 9th December 2011

Plans by the United Kingdom government to provide telehealth services to three million patients over the next five years will have a profound impact on the world telehealth market, according to market research analysts InMedica.

The move should catapult the UK to pole position in the industry, while also improving UK patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life

According to InMedica forecasts, should the 3 Million Lives (3ML) campaign be fully implemented as planned by 2016, the UK will grow to account for 74% of worldwide telehealth patient numbers; an increase from the 4% in 2010. 

This is in line with the Prime Minister David Cameron’s vision for the project to “ensure that the UK stays ahead.”

However, the front-running UK programme should also be an impetus to other countries to catch up. 

InMedica belive that a major hindrance in the telehealth market to date has been the lack of a clear evidence base on the clinical and economic outcomes of monitoring patients’ vital signs from their homes.

The basis of the 3ML campaign has been the successful Whole System Deomstrator trial of 6,191 patients, which has shown some encouraging results: 15% reduction in A&E visits; 20% reduction in emergency admissions; 14% reduction in elective admissions; 14% reduction in bed days; 8% reduction in tariff costs; and 45% reduction in mortality rates. 

“In taking this step towards telehealth, the UK has shown much needed leadership in the global telehealth market,” wrote Theo Ahadome, Market Analyst at InMedica.

“Indeed this implementation may serve as a tipping point towards the widespread adoption of telehealth and cause even stronger market growth. 

“It will be crucial that outcomes can be shown true on a wider scale over the next five years. 

“Only then will this serve as a reference point for other health systems looking to implement their own programs. As such, the benefits to patients should spread beyond UK borders.”

InMedica