The US, which is currently the dominant force in mobile health, is set to be overtaken by Europe over the next five years, according to BCC Research.

By 2018, the global market will be worth nearly $21.5 billion to which Europe will be the largest contributor, said the research firm.

The worldwide market is forecast to have a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 54.9 per cent. Europe is the fastest moving segment in this market with a CAGR of 61.6 per cent.

Generally, innovation over the next decade will be driven by smartphone technology, deeper wireless coverage and a growth in the remote monitoring of patients with chronic diseases, which are an increasing burden on the health sector globally.