Health apps are among the most revolutionary innovations of our time: they count steps, measure heart rate and track daily activities. Thanks to the widespread adoption of wearable devices in recent years, they have become some of the most in-demand medical software in Europe.
“Digital therapy – explains Vincenzo Valentini, Director of the Department of Imaging Diagnostics, Oncological Radiotherapy and Hematology at the Agostino Gemelli IRCCS University Hospital in Rome – is a rapidly expanding sector, both in public and private healthcare. We are working towards the introduction of a dedicated law to regulate the use of health apps within the National Health System (SSN)”.
Table of contents
What are health apps?
A health app is a smartphone or tablet application designed to monitor users’ health. Health apps help encourage a healthy lifestyle or simply keep track of vital parameters.
Some of the most common features of health apps include:
- physical activity monitoring: step counting, calorie tracking, distance measurement;
- medical condition tracking: logging data such as blood glucose levels or blood pressure, useful for chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension;
- circadian rhythm tracking: sleep analysis to improve rest quality;
- diet reminders: calorie intake tracking and nutrition tips;
- medication reminders: notifications to ensure users take their prescribed medications;
- integration with medical devices, such as glucometers, blood pressure monitors, or trackers for real-time data collection;
- access to health databases, including diseases, treatments, therapies and remedies.
- mental well-being support: breathing exercises, stress and anxiety management programs.
While health apps are highly beneficial for tracking personal health metrics and promoting a healthy lifestyle, they do not replace professional medical consultation. Only healthcare professionals have the expertise to correctly interpret the data collected by these apps.
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European programs and projects
The European Union (EU) has long supported the adoption of e-health and m-health through various projects, including:
- TEF-Health, which aims to revolutionize regulatory frameworks for AI and robotics;
- HealthChain, promoting collaboration between healthcare organizations and IT companies;
- EU4Health, the 2021-2027 European Health Program, designed to ensure a high level of human health protection across all EU policies and activities.
TEF-Health
Supported by the European Commission and member states with a total budget of 60 million euros, TEF-Health aims to revolutionize AI and robotics regulations in the healthcare sector. How? By automating complex processes and offering more precise diagnostic and therapeutic options, setting a new standard in healthcare services.
HealthChain
HealthChain is a project funded by the I3 Instrument of the European Union, launched in 2023. It promotes collaboration between healthcare organizations and IT companies, ensuring that digital health solutions – such as health apps – are demand-driven, meaning they are focused on patients’ needs. Like other projects within our cluster (JO Group), it is managed by a consortium of 18 partners across Europe.
EU4Health
EU4Health is the European Union’s action program for health for the 2021-2027 period. It is the most extensive health program ever implemented in Europe in terms of financial resources. With a budget of over 5 billion euros, it represents the EU’s response to pandemics. It aims to strengthen the Union’s ability to respond to health threats and supports cancer prevention and treatment initiatives.
Develop your health app with HT Apps and become our partner
If you have an idea for a health app and want to contribute to a European project, contact us!
Thanks to our partnership with HT APPS, IPPOCRATE AS develops health apps (and more) for European projects.
We specialize in technology solutions for both public and private healthcare. We develop m-health, e-health and healthcare software, collaborating with other companies in our cluster.
Want to be part of the digital transformation of the healthcare sector? Fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page or call us at +390954683879. Message us on WhatsApp by tapping or clicking the link.
Our company is already involved in both Italian and European consortia, leveraging funding from the European Commission, national ministries and regional programs to drive research and include new proposals in e-health and m-health projects.