Mobile/Wireless Healthcare Technologies in Europe

Research Overview

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Mobile/Wireless Healthcare Technologies in Europe provides total revenue forecasts for mobile/wireless services and technology in the healthcare sector. They are analysed in terms of revenue contribution of the mobile/wireless infrastructure provider, mobile/wireless software applications, mobile/wireless client devices, mobile/wireless software providers and mobile/wireless implementation services.

Use of Wireless and Handheld Devices in Healthcare to Expand

Healthcare in Europe is increasingly becoming digitised and there is growing need to develop and deploy sophisticated information systems. However, the wireless technology that is transforming various areas of business currently is yet to be fully explored by the healthcare industry to support quality maintenance and improved efficiency.

Nevertheless, the popularity of wireless and handheld devices in the healthcare arena is poised to increase against a backdrop of technology savvy patients and the evident benefits of mobility and flexibility. The drive to reduce cost and improve efficiency without compromising on patient safety and service quality is having a positive impact on the uptake of wireless technology in healthcare.

"Owing to the financial crunch, the healthcare industry in Europe is finding ways to curtail costs and increase the efficiency of healthcare delivery through wireless technology," notes the analyst of this research. "The healthcare industry can no longer be complacent towards wireless technology due to the escalating costs and regulations; wireless technology is increasingly being employed in hospitals along with wires and semi-wired devices."

The current state of the healthcare wireless technology is one of multidimensional evolution. The various wireless applications and solutions being introduced in the market, along with the evolving infrastructure technology, are motivating healthcare administrators to consider designing a comprehensive wireless business and technology strategy.

Comprehensive Wireless Business and Technology Strategy Required

The constant addition of new medical applications into wireless networks is a major challenge that confronts the healthcare industry. Every department has to work closely with its counterparts in the IT department to ensure smooth workflows. The integration of central stations and electronic medical records (EMRs), the expansion of wireless patient monitoring in sync with biomedical, administrative and labs as well as other departments with IT requirements often poses a challenge.

"One of the major issues that hospitals face today is developing a strong cross-functional team among the various departments and IT to manage existing and emerging wireless technologies," cautions the analyst. "There is an absence of well-structured healthcare organisations that can seamlessly integrate their departments."

More solutions between various departments can be supported by adopting a strategy that allows for the flexibility of accepting new technologies, upgrades and expansions without challenging technology integrity. Through innovative product development and repositioning of current wireless technologies, the industry can raise the expectation of the end users and redefine their perspectives to create new market opportunities.

"As different types of wireless technologies are introduced into the healthcare market, the need for a comprehensive wireless business and technology strategy is evident," comments the analyst. "This strategy must be devised in a manner that supports all applications."

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Mobile/wireless infrastructure provider
• Mobile/wireless software applications
• Mobile/wireless client devices
• Mobile/wireless software providers
• Mobile/wireless implementation services