Abstract
Research Overview
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.
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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