OREANDA-NEWS. Unlike other nursing technologies that have made great strides over the decades, nurse call systems have largely remained the same since their inception in 1860. However, recent technological advancements have resulted in a leap from primitive nurse call system to sophisticated wireless nurse call system. From its simplistic model that involved a bedside button for the patient to summon the nurse, technology is revolutionizing the way patient care functions to match with the times.
 
With information and communication technology forming an integral part of healthcare services, nurse call systems have taken a new form and shape for improving the quality of communication between patients and nurses. In particular, technology-driven nurse call systems are of immense significance in the event of an emergency, as explained in a new report by Transparency Market Research. On account of the aforementioned factors, the global nurse call systems market is expected to display a CAGR of 13.90% from 2014 to 2020.

Q. How has technology been a boon for improvement in patient-nurse communication?
 
A. The inclusion of information and communication technology in healthcare has taken the quality of healthcare services to new heights, especially for patient care. For patient to caregiver communication, healthcare settings and organizations can install stand-alone and integrated communication systems, which include a range of nurse call systems, to alert healthcare personnel for assistance. Not only this, these nurse call systems have the ability to integrate with the hospital’s information system for monitoring patient information in real time.
 
Q. What are the major factors fuelling the growth of the nurse call systems market?
 
A. An increasing need for efficient and responsive communication means to serve older patients and those suffering from chronic disease in hospitals, assisted living settings, nursing homes, and senior facilities is one of the major factors driving the global market for nurse call systems. The use of nurse call systems enables patients to remotely alert nurses in the event of an emergency. 
 
In several parts of the world, an increase in budget allocation for improved healthcare for the elderly is also leading to an increased installation of nurse call systems. In addition, the rising application of Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare services is emerging as a key opportunity for the growth of this market.
 
Q. Which segment currently accounts for the largest end user of nurse call systems?
 
A. Hospitals are currently the leading end-user segment of nurse call systems. This segment held almost 74% of the market in 2013 on the basis of revenue. However, assisted living centers are expected to display a substantial demand for nurse call systems in the coming years due to the need for responsive communication between patient and caregiver.
 
Q. What is the growth outlook for nurse call systems in regional markets?
 
A. North America nurse call systems market is striding growth due to the excess utilization of technology for healthcare services. The region stood as the largest market for nurse call systems in 2013. While Europe stood as the second-largest market for nurse call systems in recent past, economic downturn and reduced public expenditure will impact the growth of this regional market.
 
Asia Pacific will emerge as a significant market for nurse call systems due to the modernization of healthcare services in China and India.