Smartphones and tablets will aid consumerisation of healthcare in 2011

Consumer-driven healthcare will gather momentum in 2011, according to Ovum, as the public takes more responsibility for its own health, with technology playing a key role.

In a new report, Ovum states that devices such as smartphones and tablet computers will help to drive the consumerisation of healthcare next year, by allowing the public to monitor health and prevent illness.

Cornelia Wels-Maug, Ovum senior analyst and author of the report, said: "Against a backdrop of increasing life expectancy, consumers are taking more responsibility for safeguarding their long-term quality of life and ensuring they continue to be healthy well into the future."

"The latest technology can play a key role and aid this shift towards the consumerisation of healthcare. For example smartphone applications can advise on ways to lead a healthy lifestyle, helping consumers to avoid illness in the first place. We expect consumers to turn to their smartphone or tablet computer for healthcare advice and preventative care more and more." Article