The life sciences and healthcare industry is changing at an unprecedented pace. Wearables, mobile applications and intelligent healthcare platforms encourage patients to take ownership over their health and facilitate the shift of healthcare institutions from in-patient to out-patient monitoring and treatment. Healthcare actors and public health budgets, constrained by an ever-ageing population, chronic and mental health illnesses and (other) diseases of affluence, have clearly set the trend towards a more preventative healthcare model, with a focus on lifestyle improvements, vaccines and diagnostic testing. This patient-centered, personalized and preventive care model is powered by digital health technologies that are challenging the boundaries of the current legal framework.
In light of its expanding digital health practice, Quinz’ life sciences team has written the Belgian chapter of the 2021 Chambers and Partners Digital Healthcare Guide, exploring some of the legal challenges these novel health technologies entail. The article contemplates, amongst others, on advances in the mHealth sphere, international data transfers, legislative developments for AI-powered software and devices, the scope of digital health IP protection and value-based care. The article also reflects on the unmatched impact of the pandemic on the digital health landscape, forcing breakthroughs with even the most hesitant healthcare actors.
