Patient Handling Equipment Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast (2024-2030) by Component, Water Depth and Region

Patient Handling Equipment Market Overview

Patient handling equipment market encompasses various devices and tools utilized in healthcare environments to aid in the mobility, transfer, and positioning of patients who have restricted movement or need assistance due to illness, injury, or surgical procedures. These tools are specifically designed to uphold patient safety, enhance comfort, and preserve dignity, all while reducing the potential for injury to both patients and healthcare professionals. Hospital Beds, Patient Lifts, Transfer Aids, Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids, Ambulation Aids, Specialized Stretchers, Positioning Devices, Bath and Shower Aids, Gait Belts, etc. are various equipment available in the market.

 

The population of individuals aged 60 and above has been steadily increasing over time. Older adults are more prone to injuries from falls, which can lead to various limitations in daily activities and reliance on mobility aids. The World Health Organization (WHO) forecasts that by 2030, one out of every six individuals will be aged 60 or older. Consequently, the significant rise in the global elderly population will drive up the demand for equipment used in managing patients.

 

The rising incidence of disabilities is one of the key factors driving the demand for patient handling equipment market in healthcare settings. An estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population. Common disabilities that require patient handling equipment include mobility impairments (e.g., paralysis, amputations), neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis), musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., arthritis, osteoporosis), and sensory impairments (e.g., blindness, deafness). Many individuals with disabilities prefer to receive care at home, while Others reside in long-term care facilities or rehabilitation centers. Both settings require appropriate patient-handling equipment tailored to the specific needs of individuals with disabilities.

 

However, Patient-handling equipment can be expensive, especially advanced or specialized equipment such as motorized patient lifts or bariatric beds. Cost constraints may limit adoption, particularly in healthcare facilities with budgetary limitations or in regions with lower healthcare expenditures.

 

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Patient Handling Equipment Market Dynamics

Drivers: The aging Population creates the need for patient-handling equipment.

The aging population is a significant driver for the patient handling equipment market, influencing demand for specialized equipment designed to assist elderly individuals with mobility and care needs. According to WHO, between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%. As people age, they are more prone to chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and neurological disorders that affect mobility and independence. For instance, individuals with advanced osteoarthritis may require patient-handling equipment like mobility aids (e.g., walkers, canes) or specialized chairs to support daily activities and reduce strain.

Falls are a major concern among older adults and can lead to serious injuries such as fractures and head trauma. According to the CDC, falls among older adults are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization. In 2022 alone, more than 3,000 fatal falls each month occurred in adults 65 and older, with a total of 40,923 fatal fall injuries in 2022. Patient handling equipment such as bed rails, bedside commodes, and patient lifts are crucial in preventing falls and facilitating safe transfers between beds and chairs.

 

The preference for aging in place has led to increased demand for home healthcare solutions which has given the surge in patient handling equipment market. Elderly individuals and their caregivers often require equipment that enhances safety and comfort at home, such as adjustable beds, lift chairs, and bathroom safety aids. Institutions like nursing homes and assisted living facilities also rely on patient-handling equipment to support daily caregiving tasks and ensure resident safety.

 

The economic impact of the aging population extends to healthcare expenditures. Patient-handling equipment that reduces the risk of caregiver injuries, minimizes hospital readmissions due to falls, and enhances efficiency in care delivery can lead to cost savings for healthcare systems. For example, a study by the University of California, San Francisco, found that implementing safe patient-handling programs reduced caregiver injury rates and associated costs.

 

Rising disabilities: According to WHO, Persons with disabilities have twice the risk of developing conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity, or poor oral health. These risks can be reduced by the effective use of patient-handling equipment. Individuals with disabilities often require mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and scooters to move around independently. The demand for these aids drives the patient handling equipment market for patient-handling equipment designed to assist with mobility and improve accessibility both at home and in healthcare facilities. Disabilities can affect an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring from bed to chair.

 

Patient handling equipment such as transfer lifts, shower chairs, and adaptive toileting aids are essential for assisting individuals with disabilities in performing these tasks safely and with dignity. Different types of disabilities require specialized patient-handling equipment tailored to their specific needs. For example, individuals with spinal cord injuries may require custom-designed wheelchairs with advanced seating systems and pressure relief features. The market responds to these specific needs by offering a variety of specialized equipment options.

Challenge: High cost of equipment: Patient handling equipment such as motorized patient lifts, specialized beds and bariatric aids can involve significant upfront costs for healthcare facilities. For example, a basic motorized patient lift can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the features and specifications. Specialized equipment for bariatric patients, which requires higher weight capacities and reinforced designs, tends to be even more expensive.

 

Beyond initial purchase costs, ongoing operational expenses include maintenance, repairs, and staff training. Maintenance contracts and servicing for complex equipment can add substantial recurring costs to healthcare budgets. For instance, annual maintenance costs for patient lifts and beds can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per unit, depending on the level of service required. This creates a barrier for the patient handling equipment market.

 

Despite the high upfront costs, patient-handling equipment is often viewed as a long-term investment that can yield cost savings over time. For example, equipment that reduces the incidence of patient falls or caregiver injuries can lower healthcare costs associated with extended hospital stays, rehabilitation, and workers' compensation claims.

 

Patient Handling Equipment Market Segment Analysis

By Product: Medical beds held the largest market share in 2023. Medical beds are fundamental to patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare settings, ensuring patient comfort and facilitating medical procedures. Expansion of healthcare facilities, especially in developing regions, increases the demand for medical beds which makes it the dominant player in the patient-handling equipment market with over. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases necessitates specialized beds for intensive care and long-term patient management.

 

Wheelchairs and scooters cater to a broad spectrum of mobility needs, from temporary injuries to permanent disabilities, driven by aging populations globally. Innovations like lightweight materials, electric power, and ergonomic designs enhance usability and comfort, driving market growth. Supportive policies and funding for assistive devices in healthcare systems contribute to market expansion.

 

Bathroom safety supplies like grab bars, shower chairs, and raised toilet seats help prevent falls and injuries, particularly among seniors. With a growing elderly population, there's an increasing focus on safety and independence in daily activities like bathing. The rise in home healthcare services boosts demand for products that improve safety and accessibility within households. As the population ages, there's an increasing need for ambulatory aids to manage conditions like arthritis and post-surgery recovery. Canes, walkers, crutches, and rollators assist individuals with mobility impairments, supporting independence and rehabilitation.

 

Advancements in lightweight materials and ergonomic designs enhance usability and comfort, expanding market appeal. Healthcare facilities adhere to safety standards that require proper mechanical and transfer equipment for patient handling. Patient lifts, slings, transfer boards, and slide sheets reduce the risk of caregiver injuries during patient transfers, promoting workplace safety. These tools improve efficiency in hospitals and home healthcare settings, facilitating smoother patient movements and reducing turnaround times. Overall, all these factors create demand for the patient handling equipment market.

 

By End User: Hospitals are major users of patient-handling equipment due to continuous patient admissions, surgeries, and medical procedures. It contributes up to XX% of the total patient handling equipment market in 2023. Demand for specialized medical beds, patient lifts, and transfer equipment to manage acute and critical care patients. Stringent safety regulations in healthcare settings necessitate the use of proper patient handling equipment to prevent injuries to patients and healthcare staff.

 

Increasing preference for home-based care due to cost-effectiveness, patient comfort, and aging populations preferring to receive care at home. Portable and user-friendly equipment options are becoming more prevalent, enhancing accessibility and usability in home settings. Dedicated facilities for elderly care, such as nursing homes and assisted living centers, require specialized equipment for resident mobility and safety. Demand for durable medical equipment like medical beds and transfer aids to support residents with chronic conditions and mobility impairments. Demand for durable medical equipment like medical beds and transfer aids to support residents with chronic conditions and mobility impairments.

 

Patient Handling Equipment Market Regional Insights:

North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. North America leads the global patient handling equipment market with a substantial share, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare spending, and strong emphasis on patient safety and care quality. The region boasts a well-developed market offering a wide array of patient-handling products and services. Favorable reimbursement policies and government initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare facilities further bolster North America's dominance in this sector.

 

Europe is characterized by high standards for patient safety and equipment quality due to stringent regulations by regulatory bodies. Demographic shifts drive demand for elderly care facilities and home healthcare solutions. Supportive policies and reimbursement frameworks promote the adoption of patient-handling equipment.

 

Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region in the global patient handling equipment market. The region's growth is fueled by increasing healthcare expenditures, a growing elderly population, and rising awareness about the importance of patient handling equipment. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are witnessing significant market expansion due to investments in healthcare infrastructure and efforts to improve access to high-quality healthcare services. The prevalence of chronic diseases and the need for effective patient handling solutions in hospitals and long-term care facilities are also key drivers of market growth in Asia Pacific. With a heightened focus on patient safety and improving healthcare outcomes, the region is experiencing rapid advancements in the patient handling equipment market.

 

Patient Handling Equipment Market Scope

Patient Handling Equipment Market
Market Size in 2023	USD 11.16Bn.
Market Size in 2030	USD 17.12 Bn.
CAGR (2024(2030)	6.3%
Historic Data	2018-2022
Base Year	2023
Forecast Period	2024-2030
Patient Handling Equipment Market Segments	By Product Wheelchairs and Scooters Medical Beds Bathroom safety supplies Ambulatory aids Mechanical and transfer equipment Others
	By Application Acute and critical care Long term care Mobility assistance Fall Prevention Others
	By End User Hospitals Home care setting Elderly care facilities Others
Regional Scope	North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico Europe – UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Austria, and Rest of Europe Asia Pacific – China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, ASEAN, Rest of APAC Middle East and Africa (South Africa, GCC, Egypt, Nigeria, Rest of the Middle East and Africa South America – Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

 

Patient Handling Equipment Market Key players

North America

1. Hill-Rom Holdings Inc. (Chicago, Illinois, USA
2. Invacare Corporation (Elyria, Ohio, USA)
3. Stryker (Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA)
4. Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Inc. (Port Washington, New York, USA)
5. GF Health Products, Inc. (Georgia, USA)

Europe

1. Arjo (Malmö, Sweden)
2. ETAC AB (Stockholm, Sweden)
3. Handicare Group AB (Stockholm, Sweden)
4. Prism Medical UK (Wigan, United Kingdom)
5. Stiegelmeyer GmbH & Co. KG (Herford, Germany)

Asia Pacific

1. Paramount Bed Co. Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan)
2. Leltek, Inc. (Gyeonggi-do, South Korea)
3. Lepu Medical Technology (Beijing, China)
4. Edan Instruments, Inc. (Shenzhen, China)
5. Sahajanand Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Surat, Gujarat, India)

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

1. Manafeth Medical (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
2. Maquet Middle East Trading LLC (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
3. Abu Dhabi Medical Devices Company (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
4. GC Healthcare Products (Johannesburg, South Africa)
5. Medis Medical Manufacturing (Cairo, Egypt)