Business model for sensor-based fall recognition systems

A Business Model Framework for Software as a Medical Device Startups in the European Union: Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

With the introduction of Regulation (EU) 2017/745, also known as the Medical Device Regulation (MDR), startups aiming to develop software as a medical device (SaMD) in the European Union are confronted with stringent and complex regulations, and many of them struggle with them. Complying with the MDR is a costly, time-consuming endeavor requiring expertise and substantial financial resources. However, it opens the door for new revenue models, such as reimbursement pathways. Consequently, the MDR significantly shapes the business model of startups. Early on, the regulation needs to be considered for business modeling to survive the conformity assessment process financially. Business model frameworks are tools that reduce complexity by focusing on the key aspects of a business model. Thereby, the risk of overlooking essential elements can be minimized. A framework directly integrating the MDR could alleviate the intricate circumstances in which SaMD startups are entangled.

OBJECTIVE

This study focused on deriving a business model framework for startups aiming to develop SaMD under the MDR. With the framework, we strived to facilitate business modeling for SaMD startups.

METHODS

The study is based on a 3-step approach. First, a systematic literature review was carried out, resulting in a concept matrix and an overview of business model frameworks developed and applied in the digital health sector. Subsequently, 13 interviews were conducted with experts and startups in the SaMD industry. On the basis of the literature analysis and expert interviews, along with the MDR requirements for SaMD, we developed the SaMD business model framework.

RESULTS

The SaMD business model framework consists of 13 interrelated components, with the MDR being a pivotal component. The centerpiece of the framework is the "regulatory value arc," which is the trio of intended purpose, value propositions, and customer segments. For each component, valuable input is provided, making the framework tailored to startups aiming to develop SaMD.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the crucial role of regulations in business modeling. Notably, the MDR is a central regulation for startups aiming to develop SaMD. The study uncovers the impact of the MDR on business modeling for SaMD startups. Our research provides a framework that integrates this regulation, thereby reducing its complexity and facilitating startups in deriving a sustainable business model. Concurrently, this research integrates the domains of business modeling and the MDR. Therefore, it contributes to the academic discourse in both fields and addresses a notable gap in the existing literature.

The 4P telehealth business framework for Iran

Background

Telehealth services can utilize various information technologies and improve quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery by facilitating education, treatment, follow-up, and decision-making. However, these services are not always commercialized, and in case of commercialization, there is no guarantee for their long-term sustainability in market. Therefore, business models and frameworks are used as part of commercialization processes to identify a set of factors affecting the sustainability, effectiveness, and key business activities. The current study aimed to develop a telehealth business framework for Iran.

Methods

This research was conducted in 2021, and a mixed-methods approach was used for data collection. Initially, a telehealth business framework was developed based on the findings derived from a systematic review and a qualitative research. The proposed framework was then reviewed by an expert panel (n = 9) in which the participants had at least three years of work experience in telehealth. Finally, the framework was validated using the Delphi method (three rounds).

Results

The expert panel believed that some components such as partners’ expertise, required capital and financial resources, research and analysis, marketing and branding, tax, product registration, and marketing at scientific congresses and science and technology exhibitions needed to be added to the framework. In the Delphi study, 68 out of 74 components proposed in the initial framework were approved across four major dimensions; namely, prerequisites, production, payments and costs, and post-production services.

Conclusions

It seems that the developed framework can facilitate commercializing telehealth technologies and developing business plans. In addition, telehealth start-ups can use this framework and its various components in a competitive market to be more successful in their businesses. However, it is still critical to evaluate the effectiveness of the framework in practice and in relation to the commercialization of telehealth technologies.

Telehealth Business Models and Their Components: Systematic Review

Background

Telehealth technology is an excellent solution to resolve the problems of health care delivery. However, this technology may fail during large-scale implementation. As a result, business models can be used to facilitate commercialization of telehealth products and services.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to review different types of business models or frameworks and their components used in the telehealth industry.

Methods

This was a systematic review conducted in 2020. The databases used for searching related articles included Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Emerald, and ProQuest. Google Scholar was also searched. These databases and Google Scholar were searched until the end of January 2020 and duplicate references were removed. Finally, articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used for appraising the strengths and limitations of each study. Data were extracted using a data extraction form, and the results were synthesized narratively.

Results

Initially, 4998 articles were found and after screening, 23 were selected to be included in the study. The results showed that new telehealth business models were presented in 13 studies, and the applications of the existing business models were reported in 10 studies. These studies were related to different types of services, namely, telemonitoring (4 studies), telemedicine (3 studies), mobile health (3 studies), telerehabilitation (3 studies), telehealth (2 studies), assisted living technologies (2 studies), sensor-based systems (2 studies), and mobile teledermoscopy, teleradiology, telecardiology, and teletreatment (1 study related to each area). In most of the business models, value proposition, financial variables, and revenue streams were the main components.

Conclusions

Applying business models in the commercialization of telehealth services will be useful to gain a better understanding of the required components, market challenges, and possible future changes. The results showed that different business models can be used for different telehealth technologies in various health systems and cultures. However, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of these models in practice. Moreover, comparing the usefulness of these models in different domains of telehealth services will help identify the strengths and weaknesses of these models for future optimization.

Five years of interdisciplinary research on ageing and technology: Outcomes of the Lower Saxony Research Network Design of Environments for Ageing (GAL)--an introduction to this Special Issue on Ageing and Technology

This Special Issue of Informatics for Health and Social Care is presenting outcomes of the Lower Saxony Research Network Design of Environments for Ageing (abbreviated as GAL), probably one of the largest inter- and multidisciplinary research projects on aging and technology. In order to investigate and provide answers on whether new information and communication technologies can contribute to keeping, or even improving quality of life, health and self-sufficiency in ageing societies through new ways of living and new forms of care, GAL had been established as a five-year research project, running from 2008 to 2013. Ambient-assisted living technologies in personal and home environments were especially important. During the five years of research in GAL, more than seventy researchers from computer science, economics, engineering, geriatrics, gerontology, informatics, medicine, nursing science and rehabilitation pedagogy intensively collaborated in finding answers.