Why European e-Health Ventures are Failing

Many thought that the complex, information-intensive, and inefficient nature of European health systems would make them well suited to reap the cost-stifling benefits of e-business. However, most European e-health ventures are failing, says a report released by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). According to a BCG study titled Patients, Physicians and the Internet, the heart of the problem is that the typical retail e-commerce business models do not work in e-health.
The report makes the following observations:
• Patients tend to have focused and deep interest in information only about their specific condition. European consumers do not regularly surf the Web for general health-related information, which they believe should be free. But, they may be willing to pay for in-depth information about their illnesses.
• Physicians indicate strong interest in using the Web as a source for experts and medical information and advice, but view it as a tool primarily for use after clinic hours.
• Patients tend to trust university and medical associations and are skeptical of commercial Web portals and on-line services backed by pharmaceutical companies.