Patient Monitoring and Information Technology Are on Converging Paths

The integration of patient monitoring equipment and information technology (IT) systems offers significant potential for manufacturers in the medical technologies arena. These are the latest findings from Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), an international consulting firm.

The distinction between information systems and patient monitoring devices is blurring, greatly driving convergence and integration. This integration seems 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, organizations are attempting to establish mandated guidelines that will advance the trend towards greater integration.

Increasing focus is being placed on improving the quality of care in hospitals. 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,” said Frost & Sullivan research analyst C.R. Hema Varshika. "The widespread use of proprietary standards restricts universal communication; governments and concerned organizations need to act quickly and establish rules to further promote convergence.”

Frost & Sullivan recommend that 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.


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