Business models for sustainable commercialisation of digital healthcare (eHealth) innovations for an increasingly ageing population

A rapidly aging population, combined with restrictions on public spending, is creating strong latent demands for eHealth. For many older people, institutionalised inpatient care is not only expensive, but also less attractive than their being cared for in their own homes. eHealth innovations offer promising new avenues that will allow health and social care systems to cope with these challenges and improve the quality of life for older people. However, the user uptake of eHealth is surprisingly low, and successful deployment is not guaranteed unless the interests of key stakeholders are better addressed. While many previous studies have addressed technological aspects of eHealth innovations, the business models underpinning these innovations are often overlooked. This study thus examines the key characteristics of eHealth market from the dual perspectives of business model and information systems success model to contribute to more sustainable and scalable market development of eHealth innovations. A multiple-case study design based on 20 UK and 13 international cases in combination with expert workshops was used to formulate the main barriers and challenges for the commercialisation of eHealth innovations in UK and propose frameworks for more sustainable eHealth innovations. The implications for both management practice and policy are also discussed.