Abstract
Public Sector Remains the Largest Buyer of Healthcare IT in Europe
The European healthcare system is undergoing rapid changes and initiatives such as
government-sponsored modernisation plans and mandates to adopt information technology (IT) systems
are positively influencing the growth of the healthcare IT hardware, networking and data storage
systems markets. However, with almost 75 per cent of healthcare provision in major markets across
Europe being controlled by the public sector, spending on information systems is dependent on an
assortment of factors such as healthcare budgetary allocations, economic conditions, changing
political scenarios and regulatory legislations. In keeping with these market realities, hardware
vendors will need to tailor their market approach, keeping in mind that healthcare is not unlike any
other public sector in terms of their purchasing strategies.
This Frost & Sullivan research service analyses the European markets for healthcare IT
hardware, networks and data storage systems. It examines the business potential of the healthcare IT
hardware, networks and data storage systems markets in five major European markets, taking into
account the market dynamics and drivers in each region. It further studies the competitive structure
of various segments and provides strategic recommendations to capitalise on business opportunities
therein.
Need for Better Communication of Medical Information Spurs Growth
Healthcare organisations in Europe are changing the way they conduct business. Communication
systems are becoming critical for effective healthcare, as medical staff require speedy access to
patient records, clinical data, labs, specialists, patients and each other. The situation is further
enhanced by increased patient mobility and the growing need to share information among healthcare
organisations across wide areas. Healthcare IT is at the cornerstone of enabling such
communications, thus spurring the adoption of healthcare IT hardware, networks and data storage
systems.
The development of IT standards by regulatory bodies is another factor driving the healthcare IT
market. These standards and regulations dictate the standards for IT infrastructure and data
protection along with security are the leading areas of regulatory influence. "As more and more
applications are being developed, end users are likely to have to re-evaluate the suitability of
their existing infrastructure," says the analyst of this research. "Demand for increased
efficiency, improved workflow, cost containment, risk management, and limiting liability are all
expected to drive the market forward in the future."
Implementation of Clinical Information Systems Drives Growth
With advances in technology, modern healthcare organizations need to have hardware solutions in
place that enable them to take advantage of software capabilities such as remote access, high
definition images and point-of-care delivery of patient information. The primary driver of growth in
the European healthcare IT hardware, networks and data storage systems market is the active
implementation of clinical information systems in major markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany,
and France. Also, initiatives such as the national program for information technology (NPfIT) in the
United Kingdom and the e-health initiative propagated by the European Commission could further
future growth.
While there are several small regional firms that provide systems for the primary care segment,
the major market participants in the European markets are multinationals that usually offer a full,
end-to-end product portfolio. "The segment of the healthcare IT industry, which is currently
witnessing maximum activity is the data storage segment," says the analyst. "While Germany
occupies the top slot in terms of market leadership, the United Kingdom is expected to increase its
market share due to higher spending under NPfIT."
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