Does it work? Does that matter?

Perhaps the most visible element of mHealth is the profusion of phone apps, especially ones related to fitness and wellness. Tens of thousands are already available, and different market research firms have issued predictions for global downloads in 2012 that vary widely from just over 40 million to nearly 250 million.

Other data, however, suggest that all will not be clear sailing for the fitness and wellness market. The Pew Internet & American Life Project found that in the year ending August 2011 the increase in the number of adults in the US who had ever downloaded an mHealth app for their phones was insignificant.

Enjoy in-depth insights and expert analysis - subscribe to our Perspectives newsletter, delivered every week