Brazilian Patient Monitoring Market

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Brazilian Patient Monitoring Market provides an overview of the status of the market in the wake of important changes in the competitive landscape. It also offers a complete analysis of key market drivers, restraints, and trends that are influencing healthcare providers' spending on monitoring equipment. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets: critical care, acute care, and vital signs.

Market Overview

Expansion Trends among Hospitals Boost Investments in Infrastructure and thereby, Patient Monitoring

A stable economy during 2007 and early 2008, hospitals’ expansion drive as well as vertical and horizontal integration of health insurance companies have resulted in sizeable investments in Brazilian healthcare infrastructure. With intensive care units (ICUs) being one of the beneficiaries of these increased funds, the market for patient monitoring has received a leg up. The greater credit availability in the market not only enhanced the sales of new hospital equipment but also the retrofits. In such a lucrative market, participants have been compelled to raise the bar and innovate to sustain or improve their market positions. “The elevated competition among the top hospitals in Brazil stimulates the purchase of high-end monitoring solutions, getting the attention of high-end patients and medical tourists as well,” says the analyst of this research.

One of the fallouts of such strong competition is that the market tends to be fragmented, which fosters price wars in the absence of product differentiation. This price and margin issue is further compounded by the entry of a large number of low-cost Asian products. Inadequate product awareness also feeds customers’ reluctance to invest in new products. However, market participants are looking to offset this situation by adding value to their products through the provision of high-quality services and constant support, which consequently enhances their relationships with end users.

Patient monitoring equipment suppliers will also feel heartened by the change in demographics, as the middle class in Brazil has expanded. With more families gaining access to health insurance and healthcare services, patient monitoring equipment has registered a jump in sales. There has also been a widening of the patient pool due to the rising incidence of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, which have led to diabetes and obesity problems. Meanwhile, the rise in the number of the elderly has led to a hike in the number of age-related diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart problems. “Treatments for such diseases often lead to admission in surgery rooms and critical care units, where patient monitoring systems are crucial,” notes the analyst. “Another consequence of the extended life expectancy is the trend of late pregnancy, which increases the possibility of multiple pregnancies and drives the demand for equipment that can monitor several fetuses simultaneously.”

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Critical care
• Acute care
• Vital signs
• Technologies

• Multi-parameter monitoring
• Neonatal monitoring
• Obstetrical monitoring
• Anesthesia monitoring