Research

This temporary dip in sales will be driven by an overlap in functionality between smart wristbands, other wearable fitness monitors and smart watches.

Interest is strong for general blood testing services, diagnosing eye problems, checking glucose levels, measuring lung function and diet tracking.

Nonetheless, healthcare professionals are embracing the technology with 67% of those surveyed either using telemedicine to provide services now.

Digital health startups skyrocketing funding record is in direct correlation with players such as Google, Merck and BlueCross BlueShield getting into the game.

Right now, only 5% of employees in the United States have a telemedicine benefit provided by their employers though the percentage is set to grow next year.

The market is opening up to new types of solutions followed by next-generation telecare systems such as remote visits and video communication.

Currently 6.7 million British adults use health and fitness wearable devices and smartphone apps, but that number is poised hit 13.1 million next year.

The telehome category will grow from $6.5 billion in 2013 to nearly $24 billion in 2019, increasing its share of the market from 40% in 2013 to 55% by 2019.

However, Decision Resources Group shows that the similar number of survey respondents are concerned about the security of their medical records.

The greater visibility and availability of healthcare smartphone platforms will encourage device makers to launch more sophisticated mHealth products.