Patient Monitoring

Clinicians rely on patient monitors to signal rapid changes in patient condition so they can respond quickly to complications, and promote patient recovery. Patient monitors can detect, measure, and report vital signs as well as respiratory, hemodynamic, and neurological function. They are progressively being used outside of critical care areas of the hospital in an effort to identify and treat minor complications, so as to avoid deterioration in patients at high risk of infection or complications. Furthermore, monitors play an important role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions, obstructive sleep apnea, and many other chronic conditions. Vital signs monitors have been used for decades in critical and intensive care; however, technological advancements to allow less invasive monitoring techniques, a growing high-acuity patient population, and the downloading of monitors onto general medical-surgical wards will continue to propel the market for these devices.