The use of foetal and neonatal monitoring and diagnostics is growing due to a combination of various factors – higher awareness among expectant mothers about the advantages of sophisticated monitoring as well as non-invasiveness and greater safety offered by new prenatal diagnostic techniques. Across Europe, the rising need for new patient monitoring systems that can allow both hospitals and patients to better view foetal and neonatal monitored parameters is providing a fillip to market prospects.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (patientmonitoring.frost.com), European Market for Foetal and Neonatal Monitoring Equipment, finds that the market earned revenues of $130.9 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach $161.2 million in 2012. The following market segments are covered in the research: feotal monitoring, neonatal monitoring and non-invasive blood gas monitoring devices.

The average age of Europe’s maternal population has been increasing gradually. Advances in technology, coupled with improvements in in-vitro fertilisation, have led to greater success rates.

“Progress in fertilisation technology has resulted in most patients over the age of 35 being advised to take advantage of the enhanced control provided by in-vitro fertilisation,” notes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Janani Narasimhan. “This has boosted the rate of multiple pregnancies, as well as increased the possibility of a mother delivering prematurely. As the number of premature births rises, the demand for neonatal monitoring devices has risen concomitantly.”

Hospitals have a growing need for new patient monitoring systems that support improved viewing of the neonates’ monitored parameters and alarm events, that is, provide an alarm during emergencies from any bed in the unit. The demand for advanced features – chiefly due to the better marketing of these devices and improved awareness – is surging as they enable clinicians to view and access Windows applications on the same display of the patient waveforms and other vital signs data and to interact with other information systems across the hospital.

At the same time, the use of foetal and neonatal monitoring and diagnostics is expanding due to the availability of maternity care reimbursement and insurance coverage in developed countries.

To remain competitive, leading market participants often bundle products, combining it with heavy discounts. In most cases, group purchasing organisations (GPOs) demand significant discounts from manufacturers. This affects smaller market participants.

“GPOs, that have sufficient power to influence and control the market share of many products, also impose additional pressure on these participants by encouraging the purchase of comprehensive packages from a single vendor,” adds Narasimhan. “Smaller foetal and neonatal monitoring equipment companies are finding it extremely challenging to offer products at a discounted rate with the aim of attracting more customers while maintaining a steady flow of revenues.”

Several foetal monitoring devices can be rented for as low as $17 per month. These devices can be rented at a low price through a system of pre-payment. On average, these devices cost $0.84 to $1.40 per day depending on their features. Such trends will affect market revenues in the long run.

“Doctors and care providers should caution mothers-to-be of foetal home monitors as they give a false sense of security,” states Narasimhan. “In many cases, the use of such home monitors results in delayed medical attention.”

Furthermore, in many instances, parents panic when they hear abnormal noises. This is caused by blood flow through the placenta/mother’s main blood vessels that can be heard with the help of Doppler monitors.

If you are interested in more information on Frost & Sullivan’s latest research on foetal and neonatal monitoring equipment, please send an email to Katja Feick, Corporate Communications, at katja.feick[.]frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country.

European Market for Foetal and Neonatal Monitoring Equipment is part of the Patient Monitoring Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes research in the following markets: European Patient Monitoring Market Outlook – 2008, European Market for non-Invasive Blood Pressure Monitors, European Telemetry Equipment Market and, European Pulse Oximetry Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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European Market for Foetal and Neonatal Monitoring Equipment / M4CD