The e-health market - Italy (2023)

1.1 Definition and presentation

According to the World Health Organization, the term e-health refers to "the use of information and communication technology (ICT) for health." E-health includes:

• Health Information System or Hospital Information System: all solutions for the exchange of information between hospitals, physicians and patients,
• Telemedicine: includes various medical acts performed remotely;
• Tele-health: mainly concerns monitoring and prevention;
• Technology devices for patients or m-health (mobile applications, connected objects, etc.);
• Technology devices for providers;
• Technology devices for public and industrial providers.

The global e-health market is growing, the total amount of funds raised by startups continues to increase, in 2019 it amounted to $13.7 billion. The progressive interest and recognition of telemedicine, telehealth, and especially m-health (mobile health) in Italy reflects a real revolution in the field of health, marked by the transformation of medical practices and relationships between market players. The sector shows high potential as suggested by recent investments of about €1.4 billion and 5% annual growth over the last two years. It is expected to be influenced by macro-economic factors in the area, such as the growth of a progressively older population or attempts to reduce healthcare costs and expenditures.