A new report by Juniper Research predicts that there will there will be 44 million downloads of health applications to mobile devices in 2012, MobiHealthNews reports.
The report predicts that the number of mobile health app downloads will reach 142 million by 2016.
According to Juniper Research, peripheral devices that attach to mobile phones -- such as weight scales, blood pressure monitors and glucose meters -- will "greatly extend the capabilities" of mobile health apps (Dolan, MobiHealthNews, 11/30).
The report noted that the growth in the mobile health app market could be fueled by:
- The release of FDA regulations on which types of mobile health apps require agency approval;
- Efforts to realize cost savings through remote patient monitoring; and
- The development of more consumer-focused health apps.
Anthony Cox, an author of the report said, "Acceptance of new health care practices like remote patient monitoring will come directly from consumers becoming engaged in [mobile health care] through the smartphone" (Juniper Research release, 11/29).