Digitisation Initiatives in the European Medical Imaging Markets

This publication has been discontinued on July 19, 2011.

Introduction

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."

Table of Contents

• 1. Executive Summary
  • 1. Summary of the European CR and DR Market
    • 1. Outline of the European CR and DR Market
• 2. Introduction to the Digitisation Initiatives in the European Medical Imaging Markets
  • 1. Glossary of Terms
    • 1. Key Abbreviations
  • 2. Need for Digitisation
    • 1. Why Digitisation
  • 3. Methods to Obtain Digitised Images
    • 1. Computed Radiography
    • 2. Digital Radiography
• 3. Industry Challenges
  • 1. Challenges and Issues
    • 1. Challenges faced by the European CR and DR Industry
• 4. European CR Market Forecasts
  • 1. The European CR Market Analysis
    • 1. Market Overview
    • 2. Key Market Drivers
    • a. Implementation of PACS Drives the CR Market
    • b. CR Acts as a Bridge between Analog and Digital Systems
    • c. Low Initial Investment
    • d. Portability and Mobility
    • e. Could be Used with Old Equipment with Minimal Changes
    • f. Easy Replacement of Consumables and Low Maintenance Costs
    • 3. Key Market Restraints
    • a. Competition from DR Encroaching the CR Market
    • b. Use of More Human Intervention to Get the Image
    • c. Use of Consumables Add to the Cost of the Equipment
    • 4. Market Engineering Measurements
    • 5. Revenue Forecasts
    • 6. Unit Shipment Analysis
    • 7. Geographic Trends and Analysis
    • 8. Pricing Trends
    • 9. Competitive Structure
    • 10. Market Share Analysis
• 5. European DR Market Forecasts
  • 1. The European DR Market Analysis
    • 1. Market Overview
    • 2. Key Market Drivers
    • 3. Key Market Restraints
    • 4. Market Engineering Measurements
    • 5. Revenue Forecasts
    • 6. Unit Shipment Analysis
    • 7. Geographic Trends and Analysis
    • 8. Pricing Trends
    • 9. Competitive Structure
    • 10. Market Share Analysis
• 6. Analysis on the Consumables for CR
  • 1. Market Analysis on CR Plates
    • 1. Market Overview
    • 2. Revenue Forecasts
    • 3. Competitive Structure
• 7. Market Engineering Strategy and Recommendations
  • 1. Strategic Recommendations
    • 1. Strategies for the European CR and DR Systems Markets
    • 2. Efficiency Analysis on using CR and DR Systems
• 8. Database of Key Industry Participants
  • 1. List of Key Industry Players
    • 1. List of Key Industry Participants
• 9. Decision Support Databases
  • 1. Database on Healthcare Infrastructure
    • 1. Number of Hospitals in Europe
    • 2. Number of Hospital Beds in Europe
  • 2. Database on Healthcare Expenditure
    • 1. Total Healthcare Expenditure in Europe
    • 2. Government Healthcare Expenditure in Europe
    • 3. Private Healthcare Expenditure in Europe

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