Rising healthcare costs, a growing number of mobile devices, affordable sensor technologies, aging demographics and chronic diseases and regulation are the factors that will drive the take-up of mobile health services over the next five years, according to a new report by research firm GigaOm.

The report also points to the importance for mobile health to develop evidence-based proof to establish credibility. This underpins the always important question of who will pay for mobile health services. “Without an evidence base for early-stage ventures, it is often exceedingly difficult to find revenue models until governments provide a reimbursement mechanism for devices or programs,” says the report. The alternative to government funding is a consumer-focused business model.  The challenge of the consumer market is convincing subscribers to stick with a service once the novelty wears off. The key is for users to see improved health or cost savings from their engagement, says the report.