The European Commission has announced the launch of a mHealth consultation on utilizing mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets to improve patient care, EuropeanVoice reports. The consultation will also focus on addressing the rising concerns among patients about data protection and safety issues at the national or European level. The consultation process will last until July 2, 2014 with an expected budget between €59.6 million ($82.8M USD) in 2014 and €35 million ($48.6M USD) for 2015.
Funding will be provided through Horizon2020, the EU’s research and innovation program. “mHealth will reduce costly visits to hospitals, help citizens take charge of their own health and wellbeing, and move towards prevention rather than cure,” said Neelie Kroes, the European commissioner for the digital agenda.
