Integration Of Patient Monitoring Equipment And Information Systems Offers Significant Potential In The Medical Technologies Arena

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Also Included In: IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 20 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

The integration of patient monitoring devices with information technology solutions is inevitable and is anticipated to define the future of the medical technologies space. However, the availability of different technologies coupled with the lack of standards is slowing the process of convergence. Accordingly, organisations are attempting to establish mandated guidelines that will advance the trend towards greater integration.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.patientmonitoring.frost.com), Convergence of Patient Monitoring Systems with IT.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the investment analysis and growth opportunities in the market for convergence of patient monitoring systems with IT, then send an e-mail to Radhika Menon Theodore, Corporate Communications, at rmtheodore@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

"Communication between information solutions and medical devices has become a key trend with an increasing number of hospitals demanding seamless transfer of information," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst C.R. Hema Varshika. "The distinction between information systems and patient monitoring devices is blurring, greatly driving convergence and integration."

Increasing focus is being placed on improving the quality of care in hospitals. Here, the rapid transfer of patient information from monitoring devices to the hospital network is essential for enhanced integration. As hospitals purchase more advanced IT solutions and state-of-the-art devices, it is imperative that these devices and systems work in harmony, in order to achieve the desired levels of efficiency and patient safety.

Varied proprietary technologies existing in the market today pose the most serious challenge to market expansion. As vendors use different technologies, a common platform does not currently exist, which makes integration a challenging task.

"The lack of mandated guidelines and standards is greatly impeding the growth of this market," comments Varshika. "The widespread use of proprietary standards restricts universal communication; governments and concerned organisations need to act quickly and establish rules to further promote convergence."

To succeed, market participants should devise a universal interface that will facilitate the exchange of information between devices and systems, independent of the manufacturer. Forward-looking alliances coupled with a focus on technological advancement will also help companies gain the competitive edge.

Convergence of Patient Monitoring Systems with IT is part of the Patient Monitoring Growth Partnership Service Programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Strategic Analysis of European Telemedicine Market and Remote Patient Monitoring Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Consulting Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's Growth Partnership Services, Growth Consulting and Career Best Practices empower clients to create a growth focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents.

http://www.frost.com