Trends in Medical Surgical Supplies
The medical equipment industry is constantly evolving, but any event as significant as the Covid-19 pandemic is going to spurn innovation at an even faster rate. It should come as no surprise, then, that over the past two years, medical workers have become increasingly invested in methods of infection control. Other factors that have influenced trends in medical supplies in Australia include evolving technology, the needs of patients themselves, and even environmental concerns.
What are medical surgical supplies?
Let’s start with a definition. Medical surgical supplies include any type of product or device used to treat patients. It’s a fairly comprehensive term, one that covers anything from capital x-ray machines to consumable personal protective equipment.
There are many companies throughout Australia that sell medical surgical supplies. All are governed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, or TGA. The role of the TGA is to regulate the supply, import, export, manufacturing, and advertising of therapeutic goods. Their work protects patients and healthcare workers alike.
Medical supplies trends
You only have to consider what healthcare was like one hundred years ago to realise that the medical equipment industry is constantly developing. Many of these developments have come as a result of broader advancements. The invention of the computer, for example, completely revolutionised the ability of clinicians to diagnose and treat patients.
Current trends that are impacting the medical industry include:
Covid-19 pandemic and infection control: As mentioned, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the type of medical supplies that are being produced. Now, more so than ever before, clinicians and patients are concerned about infection control and cross contamination. Personal protective equipment is now required to an even greater extent than before. Devices that can automatically purify the air and surfaces and reduce pathogens are in strong demand. Scientists have warned that we should expect more frequent pandemics, meaning that concerns about infection control are unlikely to disappear.
Patient demographics: Medical equipment is developed in response to patient needs so it’s no surprise that changing patient demographics are expected to influence the design and development of new devices. By 2030, the World Health Organisation estimates that between 2015 and 2050, the percentage of the world’s population over 60 years will increase from 12 percent to 22 percent. People are also living far longer than they used to, meaning that geriatric diseases will become a huge area of research and development.
Currently, chronic conditions are the leading cause of death in Australia. This umbrella term covers everything from cancer to asthma, and also includes psychiatric disorders. The rate at which certain chronic disorders increase will certainly influence the funding of medical surgical supplies.
Environmental concerns: The effects of rising global temperatures are becoming increasingly felt by people all over the world. Concern for the environment is impacting every industry, particularly those involved in manufacturing and development.
The medical industry is not exempt from this, particularly since many medical products are one-time use and must be disposed of to ensure patient safety. Further research will no doubt be conducted into the types of materials that are being used to make these products and how the medical industry can reduce its environmental footprint.
Technology advancements: Just as no industry is immune from taking responsibility for its environmental impact, all are embracing the advantages offered by innovative technology. The impact of tech has been profound in the medical sector, literally saving lives.
3D printing, for example, has improved the ability of engineers and physicians to custom-build prosthetics that are tailored to each patient’s unique requirements. Knee replacements, for example, can now be printed to the exact measurements of a patient, reducing the likelihood of further irritation and exacerbation.
Robotic surgery is still in its infancy but is expected to make considerable strides over the next few years. This type of procedure enables clinicians to perform complex procedures with improved precision, resulting in faster recovery times and fewer surgical risks.
Even the Internet of Things, a concept usually associated with virtual assistants or fitness devices, is set to impact the healthcare sector in a big way. Healthcare administrators have long spoken of the need to improve patient record systems and databases powered by the Internet of Things should increase the efficiency and accuracy of these records.
Staying on top of these trends and developments isn’t always easy, but it is important. Partnering with an experienced provider of medical supplies in Australia can make the task far simpler. Such a company can provide you with tailored advice and recommendations on what equipment you should invest in now to ensure that you are well prepared for the future.
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