Frost & Sullivan: E-Healthcare in Western Europe Presents a Significant Market Opportunity for Wireless Technologies

LONDON, December 8 - Healthcare in Europe is facing major challenges in both structural reform
and unavailability of resources as the region's working population is far
lower in comparison to those of 'non-working' age. This calls for the
introduction of new schemes in healthcare that would enable Europe to deal
with issues pertaining to the growing ageing population. The involvement of
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in healthcare is evident from
the fact that in recent years, the number of Internet users for health
purposes has increased considerably. This is basically in the form of
purchasing health products and services, and also for communicating with
peers and healthcare professionals.

(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.wireless.frost.com),
E-Healthcare in Western Europe - A Huge Market Opportunity for Wireless
Technologies, finds that if the key stakeholders of the healthcare sector do
not adapt and align themselves to the objectives of e-healthcare, it would
negatively impact the success of implementing the new system. The following
technologies are covered in the research: RFID, Bluetooth, GPRS, EDGE, Wi-Fi,
3G LTE, GSM, HSPA and HSPA +. The countries covered include Germany, France,
the United Kingdom, and Spain.

"Strong incentives and compensation should be provided to stakeholders
across the healthcare spectrum so that they fully embrace the new e-services
as part of their work," advises Frost & Sullivan ICT Programme Manager Luke
Thomas. "Furthermore, proper training and guidance on client devices, systems
and networks are required from the outset to avoid unnecessary teething
problems in the initial phases."

E-healthcare has generally been considered an investment in ICT rather
than healthcare. Hence, in order to boost investments in e-healthcare, it
should be promoted as a technological revolution in healthcare that would
help healthcare stakeholders to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
their services.

One of the main concerns of the aged population is the fast changing
technology, which often results in the reluctance to embrace new technology.
If technology is made seemingly less complicated and more user-friendly, the
problem of resistance from the aged in adopting the new technology could be
mitigated as well.

"Due to the increase in the ageing population in Europe, the cost of
healthcare is also rising exponentially," cautions Thomas. "Given the current
economic downturn, hospitals in Europe are in a challenging position in terms
of receiving sizeable funds from the government for e-healthcare - especially
when they are not able to justify the return on investment in using these new
services."

The creation of technology that is interoperable and capable of being
integrated into the systems and solutions of market participants is essential
for success. R&D should emphasise the creation of 'plug-in' technology into
devices, systems and solutions marketed by industry leaders.

Although reimbursement and technology-related issues will remain
barriers, they are not insurmountable.

"With all the benefits that e-healthcare confers, not to mention the
convenience and satisfaction, more users will be gained," comments Thomas.
"Ultimately, consumer demand and favourable cost-benefit ratios will continue
to drive technological refinement, financial incentives and large-scale
adoption."

If you are interested in more information about this study, please, then
send an e-mail to Joanna Lewandowska, Corporate Communications, at
joanna.lewandowska@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title,
telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and
country.

E-Healthcare in Western Europe - a Huge Market Opportunity for Wireless
Technologies is a part of the Market Insights - Mobile Communications
subscription, which also includes research on U.S. Mobile Financial Services
and North American Mobile Messaging Markets, among others. These Market
Insights are part of Frost & Sullivan Growth Partnership Service.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to
accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation
and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and
the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to
drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth
strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in
partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment
community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership,
please visit www.frost.com.

E-Healthcare in Western Europe - A Huge Market Opportunity for Wireless
Technologies

9838

    Contact:
    Joanna Lewandowska
    Corporate Communications - Europe
    P: +48-22-390-41-46
    E: joanna.lewandowska@frost.com

    www.frost.com

Joanna Lewandowska, Corporate Communications - Europe, Frost & Sullivan, +48-22-390-41-46, joanna.lewandowska at frost.com