Business model canvas for adoption of International Patient Summary standards in mHealth industry

Abstract

Purpose

This article intends to present and discuss two promising business models for deploying international patient summary standards in mobile health (mHealth) apps, enhancing the value brought by standards, in particular by HL7 (Health Level Seven International) FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) IPS (International Patient Summary). More specifically, it will explain how these standards may be understood as the strategic and financial incentives for organisations – and nations – to adopt the IPS.

Approach

A thorough analysis of concepts will be followed by the presentation of a business canvas for mHealth applications, that aggregates basic information on a common framework for the adoption of IPS standards.

Findings

To better understand this framework, two illustrative use cases (Disaster management and MOCHA - Models of Child Health Appraised/Vaccination) are presented and the benefits of IPS standard adoption in these situations are specifically highlighted as they may translate better quality care and well-being and, at the same time, represent reduction of costs on health-related expenditure.

Originality

This article is a summary of work developed specifically as part of the Trillium II project, primarily by collaboration by the organisations represented by the authors. Logically, it uses concepts previously developed, and referenced in the text as appropriate, however the authors maintain that the business models presented represent an original synthesis of these concepts specifically appropriate to the task of encouraging widespread adoption of the HL7 FHIR IPS.