Telehealth market:
Telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technologies to access healthcare facilities remotely and manage healthcare systems. Telehealth enables doctors and nurses to constantly connect with the patient while providing real-time health information. Telehealth provides a variety of specialized care through virtual mode, it is helpful to monitor and improve ongoing health problems, including medication alterations and chronic health problems. Telehealth solutions are constantly expanding in the market due to the growing geriatric population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases.
Major drivers and constraints of the telehealth market:
The healthcare sector is witnessing a significant shift with the increasing acceptance of digital technologies and telehealth solutions. The telehealth market is majorly driven by the increasing technological advancements that are transforming the way healthcare services are delivered. The incorporation of advanced technologies such as generative AI, data analytics, and machine learning enhances the capability of telehealth platforms. AI-based chatbots provide real-time support to patients, while remote monitoring applications and IoT devices enable healthcare service providers to collect and analyze patient health data. Telehealth not only facilitates personalized healthcare but also allows for preemptive management of healthcare situations.
Furthermore, increasing government initiatives globally to promote and adopt telehealth solutions are propelling the market growth. A significant number of the population, especially in developing countries, live in rural areas, lacking quality healthcare facilities. Thus, governments are increasingly focusing on providing efficient and improved healthcare facilities in rural areas via virtual healthcare platforms. In addition, governments are developing pilot policies and projects contributing to the market’s growth. For instance, in 2020, the Federal Communications Commission established programs to help healthcare providers in developing and deploying telemedicine technologies in the US.
Additionally, healthcare expenses are rising constantly due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing senior population. For example, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS), stated that total healthcare spending in the U.S. is USD 4.3 trillion in 2021, which is 2.7% higher than 2020, and is expected to grow by 5.1% by 2025. The situation is moreover the same for many countries. As a result, the demand for technology-driven platforms has increased to reduce the cost burden and deliver quality healthcare. Since telehealth fulfills these growing requirements, it is increasingly implemented in all healthcare facilities. This, in turn, is projected to fuel market growth. However, the lack of reliable digital infrastructure, a dearth of awareness, and the unavailability of skilled professionals are the factors that may hamper market growth.
Market segmentation:
Based on region, North America held the largest revenue share and is predicted to grow with the highest CAGR in the forecast period owing to the region’s higher healthcare and IT spending and extensive penetration of internet and IoT devices. North America region is among the earliest adopters of smart healthcare technologies, integrating smart IoT and technologies such as smart wearables, health consulting apps, telemedicine, and eHealth services. These advanced solutions enable remote monitoring and access to information on chronic and severe health conditions. Furthermore, the rapid adoption of smartphones, advancements in network infrastructure, shortage of primary healthcare centers, increasing healthcare costs, and increased demand for enhanced management and prevention of chronic diseases are the factors fueling the growth of telehealth services in North America.