The Journal of mHealth Vol 2 Issue 6 (Dec 2015) | Page 3

Editor's Comments Welcome As we come to the end of 2015 it seems like a good time to reflect upon what has been another fantastic year for the mobile, connected and digital health industry. If 2014 was the year that digital health gained widespread recognition then 2015 should be known as the year when digital health came of age. It seems that people are no longer simply discussing the possibilities of digital health and the potential changes it can bring, instead we have made a positive step forward to actually asking; how are these solutions changing the industry? And, how can we use these solutions on a wider scale? What this means in reality is that we are now in the hard work phase - the period whereby solutions from across the clinical, patient and consumer spectrums will ‘live or die’ by the outcomes that they can demonstrate and the benefits that they can deliver. 2015 has proven that it is not good enough to simply demonstrate the efficacy of a digital or mobile health solution, but that is necessary to prove effectiveness in order to secure a place within the health ecosystem. This means that a digital solution cannot just be a new way of doing something, but that it must be a better way of doing something! As we look forward this trend is likely to continue. In 2016 we can expect to see the supporting landscape mature, with regulation, commissioning, reimbursement methods, and new business models all beginning to ensure that only the solutions and services that have genuine merit will thrive. This is great news for the users of these solutions. As patients, consumers, healthcare professionals or providers we can all benefit from knowing that the solutions we use are supported by evidence and a robust development process. For solution developers this shift should also be a positive step. It recognises those developers who have committed to the long-haul and ensures that for those who strive to deliver best-in-class services that they are rewarded for their hard work. In this issue we look at how the connected health industry is delivering on some of these promises by considering how we measure benefit, reduce costs, and support new and more effective ways of working. We are also very pleased to be able to announce our 2015 Global Digital Health 100! Compiled from nominations and industry research this list recognises the most innovative and effective companies, from around the world, operating in the mobile, digital and connected care industries today. Congratulations to all of the organisations that made the list, we applaud your work and hope that 2016 proves to be another year o f innovation and achievement! Thank you to all our readers for your support this year! Your contributions and feedback continue to help us grow and we appreciate your input! We have some exciting themes and projects planned for 2016, including the launch of our new Digital Health Innovation Lab events, so stay tuned for more updates. May all of us at The Journal of mHealth wish our readers and supporters a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2016! Published by Simedics Limited www.simedics.org Editor: Matthew Driver Design: Jennifer Edwards For editorial, research and paper submissions, and advertising opportunities please contact: Matthew Driver [email protected] [phone] Subscribe at www.thejournalofmhealth.com The editor welcomes contributions for The Journal of mHealth. Submissions can be sent to the editor by email, images and graphics should be submitted in high resolution format. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily shared by the editors nor publishers. Although the highest level of care has been taken to ensure accuracy the publishers do not accept any liability for omissions or errors or claims made by contributors or advertisers, neither do we accept liability for damage or loss of unsolicited contributions. The publishers exercise the right to alter and edit any material supplied. This publication is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in part or in full without specific written permission of the publishers. ISSN 2055-270X © 2015 Simedics Limited Matthew Driver Editor The Journal of mHealth 1