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Digitisation Initiatives in the European Medical Imaging Markets
Frost & Sullivan, Dec 2005
Slow Adoption of PACS Curtailing Market Growth in Some Countries
Spurred on by hospitals looking to improve their radiology suite workflow, digitisation of radiology departments is assuming greater priority. Further, the implementation of picture archiving and communications system (PACS) is emerging as a key driver for the digitisation initiative since most healthcare institutions invest in computed radiography (CR) or digital radiography (DR) only when they implement or plan to adopt radiology information systems (RIS) or PACS. In this respect, while regions such as Scandinavia and the Benelux are very keen on adopting CR and DR systems, there are countries such as Spain and in some cases France, where PACS has not been very openly welcomed by the healthcare institutions on account of financial and budgetary constraints.
This Frost & Sullivan research service is an analysis of the digitisation initiatives in European medical imaging markets. The study provides an analysis of the European CR and DR market, highlighting key market drivers, restraints and trends. It also provides valuable information on current trend in the cardiac catheterisation imaging systems market and also focuses on single plane and biplane systems, providing market forecasts.
Improved Efficiency and Enhanced Workflow Drive Adoption of CR and DR Techniques
An important factor driving the need for digitising radiology and other departments in hospitals is the integration of these departments with the hospital information system (HIS). HIS enables access to patient data and images from any point in the network and digital technology helps speed image availability and reduces image retakes and duplication costs. Hence, considering their inherent ability to add flexibility and improve workflow, there has been a tremendous increase in the uptake of CR and DR systems that provide digital images to support the PACS and RIS.
However, clinical advantages of CR and DR systems have not been substantiated and radiologists are looking for more post-processing enhancement. Many potential customers are waiting for manufacturers to include these post-processing enhancement tools and then purchase DR systems, thereby delaying their sale, says the analyst of this research service. Hence, manufacturers will need to work on adding greater functionality to CR and DR systems, especially in terms of image enhancement.
Small Imaging Centres Account for a Substantial Share of the CR Market
Although both CR and DR techniques are far superior to the analog film screen systems, it is the CR market that is more lucrative at present. Hospitals are not required to replace their old screen film systems while adopting CR, making it an ideal technology for smaller imaging centres with lower patient outflow. DR systems on the other hand have considerable advantages over CR systems including better image quality and a shorter examination time, but their high prices make them more sought after in bigger facilities where the patient outflow is very high.
While CR systems tend to complement the DR technology, they still, in some cases, face competition from the technologically superior DR systems. In highly advanced countries such as those in Scandinavia and the Benelux region, healthcare institutions are more keen on investing in DR systems, which reduces the potential for CR systems in these areas, says the analyst. Hence, with more number of DR systems being installed across northern and western Europe, the European market for DR systems is a growing market that promises healthy opportunities.
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