Increased focus on providing optimum patient care in the most cost efficient way is fuelling demand for intelligent infusion devices termed “Smart Pumps.” A report from InMedica, a division of IMS Research (recently acquired by IHS Inc. (NYSE:IHS)), on the global market for infusion pumps found that, despite market saturation in the developed countries, demand for advanced technology is being maintained; infusion pump suppliers must offer technically advanced products at competitive prices to maintain market share.  Smart pumps with software to reduce the risk of dose error in IV therapy, to provide safer patient care, is becoming increasingly important, in the light of reimbursement restrictions for “never events” in U.S. hospitals.  InMedica predicts the U.S. market for large-volume infusion pumps will increase to $500 million by 2015.

With the roll out of Round 2 of the competitive bidding in the US now complete, home medical equipment (HME) suppliers will start to feel the pressure.  HME suppliers had to submit their bids to become an official Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) supplier by the 9th February 2012; only those with the most successful bids will become official DMEPOS suppliers.  This has resulted in great pressure for HME suppliers to reduce their prices, to ensure they remain competitive. Those suppliers that did not bid low enough will have been ‘bid out’ of the process. Two new reports from InMedica (www.in-medica.com) on the oxygen therapy and sleep therapy markets discuss the impact of competitive bidding and how changes to healthcare provision and reimbursement will affect these markets.

The newest generation of wireless flat panel X-ray boasts stronger casing, faster processing and longer battery life. Yet, their greatest benefit is not their internal components, but their method of application. The most notable beneficiary: mobile X-ray systems.

The technology of wireless FPD for X-ray usage has been available for the last few years. A higher price tag and risk of drop damage or theft damaged market confidence initially. Yet, the first generation of wireless panels combined the unique features and benefits of digital FPD: near instant processing in a cassette format. Now, the newest generation of wireless panels has been deployed in new mobile X-ray systems, providing a recipe for market success.

The Eurozone economic crisis is having pervasive impacts on a wide range of industries. As budget deficits and the need to reduce costs come to the forefront, healthcare is also feeling the pinch, with reduced healthcare spending in most European countries. Healthcare IT is however, in a unique position in that it can be implemented as a cost-saver by improving workflow and operation efficiencies. This potential benefit is being balanced against the initial investment that needs to be made in IT, as well as raising questions on the optimal implementation models needed to achieve cost-savings. Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) in a range of departments, Radiology Information Systems (RIS) and Cardiovascular Information Systems (CVIS) are all playing important roles in this debate. InMedica’s research reveals that the growing economic uncertainty in Europe is driving an evolution of the imaging IT market. 

Global Revenues for Ambulatory/ Home Sleep Diagnostic Devices Forecast to Increase from $27.5 million in 2010 to $40.7 million by 2015

The actual number of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients globally is unknown, however, according to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, an estimated 15 million adult Americans are affected by OSA.  What is known is that the patient population is increasing; as the prevalence of OSA increases, so will the number of patients requiring diagnosis and therapy.  There are a number of comorbidities and health risks associated with sleep apnea, including cardiovascular disease and stroke.  Healthcare providers are becoming increasingly aware of the total cost of patient care and are searching for solutions that will reduce the risk of secondary disease.  As a result, sleep apnea diagnosis and consequent treatment are becoming higher on the agenda.

The Chinese market for digital radiography X-ray equipment is set to increase significantly in the next five years in China, highlighted by a new report from InMedica (www.in-medica.com). Shipments of analogue general radiography equipment will be impacted by this transition, and are set to decline at a CAGR of -14.2%. Consequently, it is predicted that the overall X-ray market in China will reach $ 1.32 billion by 2016, representing a CAGR of 9.5%.

Observations from RSNA 2011

The newest generation of wireless flat panel X-ray detectors (FPD) are clearly an improvement on previous models. Boasting stronger casing, faster processing and longer battery life, these panels can clearly improve daily radiography workflow. Yet, their greatest benefit is not in their internal components, but in their method of application. The most notable beneficiary: mobile X-ray system users. Nowhere has this been more obviously displayed than at the recent Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2011 technical exhibition.   

Plans by the United Kingdom Government to provide telehealth services to 3 Million patients over the next five years, will have a profound impact on the world telehealth market, catapulting the UK to pole position. More importantly, it should improve UK patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life.

The Chinese healthcare reform was initiated several years ago, with the aim to provide more government support for county based hospitals and health centers. After stabilizing their shares in the high end medical device market, most multinational medical device companies are now shifting their focus to the Chinese rural healthcare market as the future.

The recent FDA approval of a “smartphone” ultrasound system has re-ignited industry debate into the long term future of ultrasound technology. InMedica, a leading independent market intelligence provider of global ultrasound research, has closely monitored the evolution of these products, and assesses their potential impact on the $5.2 billion ultrasound industry.