Remote monitoring devices and telemedicine have been on the rise in recent years, an industry trend that saw exponential growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As restrictions ease and in-person doctor visits become safer, many patients will return to in-office visits. However, according to GlobalData analysis, the global market value for remote patient monitoring is projected to surpass $645m by 2025 – representing an 18% increase since 2020. Additionally, the total value of deals related to virtual care was worth $57 billion in 2021, indicating a year-over-year increase of 137%.
Whilst the pandemic had a significant impact on the growth of this market, an ageing global population was already contributing to demand. In fact, the World Health Organisation states that between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%.
Older patients and patients with reduced mobility will greatly benefit from remote monitoring and telemedicine, in addition to the convenience that it provides to those with a busy schedule or living in secluded areas. Moreover, the benefits of remote patient monitoring extend beyond replacing check-ups, as these devices enable continuous health monitoring that could save numerous lives.
Devices such as continuous glucose monitors (CGM) or oximeters (which can either provide continuous monitoring or spot-checking) are part of an expanding range of monitors and sensors that were initially developed for clinical settings but have now been modified so that they can be used by individuals for use in the outside world. A breakthrough benefit of continuous monitoring of this kind is the potential for preventative medical intervention, as problems can be detected immediately.
In an interview about Exera® branded sensor medical wire and its role in medical devices, Alleima’s Gary Davies explains how the industry is tackling preventative medicine devices that manage heart failure before it gets to an acute stage.
“The wire is inserted in your cardiovascular system and there’s an antenna that’s attached to this sensor,” Davies explains. “The whole system provides a continuous output of blood flow and pressure, which would give the physician an indication that you’re starting on the early stages of heart failure and exactly where the problem areas are. They then start you on a remedial path long before you can ever be considered acute.”
Gene Kleinschmit, senior product manager for Alleima expanded on this in his interview with Medical Device Network: “The remotely monitored device that we help to manufacture in the largest volume is the continuous glucose monitors for people with diabetes. It can be set up so that others can monitor that same person’s glucose, so if a parent wants to monitor their child while they’re in school, they can get readings from the device throughout the day. There are also devices for monitoring people with heart issues, where the device is put near the heart and monitors heart rate.”
In the whitepaper below developed with Alleima, formerly Sandvik Medical Technologies, you can find out more about sensors and remote monitoring in the healthcare industry. Discover more, from the growing advancements in oximeters and CGMs, to GlobalData surveys exploring patient attitudes towards telemedicine, as well as insight from Dr. Cacie McDorman, Process Engineering Manager at Alleima, about the future of sensor wires.
