Injuries occurring due to patient handling equipment are costly both in terms of time taken and money spent on recovery. Manual handling equipment poses a threat to the patients as well as caregivers. The implementation of the law to substitute manual handling equipment with adjustable and powered equipment boosted the growth of the patient handling equipment market. In addition, it created awareness of safe patient handling techniques, which are still practiced widely. The evolving technologies led to the development of new and innovative products which are safe, portable, adjustable, and durable.

With respect to various product segments of the patient handling equipment market, the medical beds segment accounted for the highest market share. The growth in this segment was primarily due to increasing number of beds in private nursing institutions, and geriatric care homes. Government regulations have mandated hospitals to find a way to decrease the number of hospital stays which has further propelled the medical beds market growth. As there is rise in geriatric population there is a need of more hospital beds in nursing and old age homes. Non mechanical equipment segment on the other hand was the fastest growing segment which can be attributed to rising acceptance and awareness among patients and caregivers regarding safe patient handling.

The wound care segment is expected to account for maximum market share in 2014. Wound care of the patients with an injury is difficult as it requires utmost analysis of patient condition starting from patient assessment till the final treatment is decided. This generates requirement of special equipments to provide adequate care to the patient requiring wound care while moving, lifting and evacuation. Technological advancement has led to development of equipment that makes wound care easier. With the help of right equipment and proper training to the caregiver, wound care can be maintained to highest efficacy.

In 2014, Europe will be the largest contributor to the patient handling market owing to the growing awareness among the caregivers regarding benefits of safe patient handling though the use of advanced patient handling equipment. Moreover, with the rise in aging population and booming unhealthy lifestyles there has been a rise in the number of patients with disabilities which require assistance. Handling of such disabled individuals has become handy post the advent of technically advanced handling equipment. North America on the other hand will be the second leading region and is estimated to grow with highest CAGR in the forecast period. APAC is poised to grow at a high CAGR over the forecasted period owing to large population base and enhanced awareness among the patients.

Related Reports:

Patient Handling Equipment Market by Product (Wheelchair, Scooter, Beds, Bathroom Safety, Mechanical, Ambulatory), Type of Care (Bariatric, Fall, Critical, Wound), Accessories (Lifting, Transfer) & by End User (Home Care, Hospital) - Global Forecast to 2019
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