Vital Signs Monitoring--Technology Assessment

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Technology Assessment- Vital Sign Monitoring provides an overview on the recent advances in vital sign monitoring systems and future trends that are expected to have an impact on the technology. In this study, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: clinical thermometry, blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry, multiparameter monitoring systems, and wearable signs monitoring

- Executive Summary
-- Scope and Methodology
--- Scope
--- Methodology
-- Introduction to Vital Signs
--- Definition of Vital Signs
--- Scenario of Vital Signs Monitoring Technology
--- Future Trends

- Technology Primer
-- Temperature Measurement Devices
--- Temperature
--- Types of Thermometers
-- Pressure Measurement Devices
--- Blood Pressure
--- Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices
-- Pulse Oximetry Measurement Devices
--- Pulse and Respiratory Rate
--- Pulse Oximetry Measurement Technology

- Technology Adoption Factor Analysis
-- Technology Challenges and Drivers
--- Technology Challenges
--- Technology Drivers
-- Future Trends and Strategic Recommendations
--- The Future of Vital Signs Monitoring
--- Strategic Recommendation for Expanding the Use of Vital Signs Monitors

- Innovation in Vital Signs Monitors
-- Noteworthy Innovations in Temperature Monitors
--- A Noncontact Thermometer that Measures Body Temperature from a Distance
--- Solar and Continuous Temperature Monitoring Systems Expand the Horizons for Innovations in Thermometry
--- Thermometer Scans for Early Signs of Diabetes by the Heat of a Toe
-- Noteworthy Innovations in Blood Pressure Monitors
--- Blood Pressure Measurements Hold True to their Readings of Blood Pressure
--- Ankle Blood Pressure Measuring Device Predicts Cardiac Arrest
--- Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring Arrives Home with a Time Tracker Technology
--- Developments in Blood Pressure Measurement Technologies Take Stress Monitoring to the Next Level
--- Blood Pressure Monitoring Acquires Diagnostic Capabilities with PAD and MAM
--- Novel Devices Transform the Art of Blood Pressure Monitoring
-- Noteworthy Innovations in Pulse Oximetry and Multiparameter Monitors
--- Vital Signs Monitoring Device Incorporates Weight and Wireless Monitoring
--- Vital Signs Monitoring Extends Beyond Traditional Parameters
--- Wearable Pulse Oximeter and Vital Signs Monitoring Systems Redefine Patient Monitoring
--- Vital Signs Monitors Become Affordable for Use in Pediatric and Neonatal Patients
--- Core Technology Change Offers Broadened Choice of Vital Signs Monitoring Systems
--- Touch Screen Vital Signs Monitor Redefines Patient Monitoring

- Patents and Key Industry Participants
-- Patents
--- Key Patents in Thermometry
--- Key Patents in Blood Pressure Monitoring
--- Key Patents in Pulse Oximetry and Multiparameter Monitors
-- Contacts
--- Key Industry Participants in Thermometry
--- Key Industry Participants in Blood Pressure Monitoring
--- Key Industry Participants in Pulse Oximetry and Multiparameter Monitors

- Decision Support Database
-- Percentage of Healthcare Expenditure--World (2002 to 2012)
--- Total Number of Hospital Beds--World (2002 to 2012)
--- Total Nursing Staff--World (2002 to 2012)
-- Total Number of Hospital Beds--World (2002 to 2012)
--- Total Nursing Staff--World (2002 to 2012)
-- Total Nursing Staff--World (2002 to 2012)

Paradigm Shift of Vital Signs Monitoring and Rapid Growth of Geriatric Population Holds Immense Potential

Vital sign monitoring systems have been traditionally associated with hospital settings and have been viewed as complex multimodal instruments that assist clinicians to assess the fitness of an individual. The concept, however, has undergone a tremendous change both in terms of scope and perception. "Vital Sign monitoring is no more limited to the hospital settings and on the contrary, they have made a transition toward becoming wearable monitoring systems, such as wearable heart rate monitors and respirometers that are increasingly being used in sports, medicine, and home monitoring," according to the analyst of the study. "In addition to being wearable, vital sign monitoring solutions have become integrated into wireless monitoring systems that enable clinicians to collect patient data across large distances."

Improved healthcare trends and medication have also increased the lifespan of the population worldwide. With life expectancy crossing the 65 plus age barrier, the quality of life is better. The improvement in quality of life has in turn increased the population of people above the age of 60. It has been estimated that the worldwide geriatric population is increasing by 2 percent every year. The steady increase in geriatric population indirectly implies a greater pressure on medical doctors to supervise the health of these individuals thus boosting demand for vital signs monitoring.

Development in Vital Signs Monitoring Parameters Boost Innovation

There has been tremendous development in the fundamental vital sign monitoring parameters including thermometry, blood pressure measurements, and pulse oximetry. It has become quite clear that vital sign monitoring technology has begun to shift from its traditional definition and has evolved both in terms of functional efficiency and breadth of application. Clinical thermometry has shown prospects in disease diagnosis, while blood pressure monitoring has integrated measurement of body mass indices and energy expenditure. Pulse oximetry has progressed from being a hospital-based application to a wireless monitoring system.

Significant advances have also been made with respect to wearable monitoring devices that incorporate the basic functions of temperature measurement, blood pressure monitoring, and respiratory rate measurement. "The trend is toward the integration of independent monitoring solutions and development of wearable diagnostic monitoring solutions that would enhance the quality of health and personal health monitoring independence," explains the analyst. "Medical professionals now have the option to monitor their patients at a distance without having patients visit their clinics for every small ailment that they may face, thereby enabling the doctors to monitor a large number of patients in the comfort of their clinics or homes and also get adequate medical reimbursements."