In 2023, the number of patients being remotely monitored worldwide reached 76.7 million, according to Berg Insight. This reflects the growing acceptance of mobile health (mHealth) solutions across key industries.
This figure encompasses all patients enrolled in mHealth programmes where connected medical devices form part of the care regimen, but excludes personal health tracking devices. Berg Insight projects that the number of remotely monitored patients will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%, reaching 140.1 million by 2028.
The primary applications of remote monitoring include sleep therapy, glucose monitoring for diabetes patients, and cardiac rhythm management (CRM) through implantable devices. Sleep therapy is currently the largest segment, dominated by ResMed, with around 32.2 million patients being monitored remotely in 2023 – more than twice the number recorded in 2018.
This increase has been driven by the introduction of compliance monitoring requirements in the US and Europe. Glucose monitoring has also seen substantial growth, becoming the second largest segment with 12.6 million connections by the end of 2023. This rise is largely due to the widespread adoption of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems from providers like Abbott and Dexcom.
The CRM segment, led by companies such as Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific, and BIOTRONIK, has long integrated connectivity, with more than two decades of development. Other categories include ECG, telehealth, medication compliance, and blood pressure monitors, with remote ECG monitoring and medication compliance expected to see the fastest growth over the next five years.
The mHealth software and services sector is also rapidly evolving, incorporating platforms that facilitate remote patient monitoring via connected devices such as wearables and sensors. These platforms collect real-time data on vital signs and health metrics, providing healthcare professionals with the tools needed to ensure continuous, effective care. The solutions often integrate data analytics, telehealth services, and patient engagement tools.
Recent years have seen a surge in demand for home monitoring solutions. Healthcare systems globally are transitioning towards value-based care, which prioritises both cost-efficiency and quality outcomes. In response, industry players have developed data-driven tools such as remote diagnostic solutions that enable providers to assess and diagnose patients remotely. Patient engagement apps and compliance monitoring solutions further ensure adherence to treatment regimens, boosting the effectiveness of medical care. The integration of AI is also becoming increasingly prevalent, supporting disease detection and personalised treatments by analysing large data sets.
“With advancements in AI and machine learning, mHealth platforms are evolving from monitoring tools to comprehensive systems that assist in diagnosing and treating patients, paving the way for more effective healthcare,” explained Vatsala Raina, IoT Analyst at Berg Insight.
Digital health solutions offer relief to an overburdened healthcare sector by improving access to patient data, enhancing care quality, and boosting efficiency.
“The growth on this market is expected to continue at a high pace, as regulations and reimbursement rates are being changed in favour of remote patient monitoring solutions in many countries,” concluded Raina.
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by commenting below or visiting our LinkedIn page.
