- Cost-effective solutions will hold greater appeal as healthcare budgets continue to shrink

LONDON, Dec. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The need to enhance healthcare delivery is driving the market for IT professional services in Europe. Adoption levels are, however, being hampered by budget cuts and end user reluctance to invest in such services. These trends have triggered several changes in the market, including consolidation and the adoption of inorganic growth models.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.healthcare.frost.com), Analysis of the European Healthcare IT Professional Services Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $1.58 billion in 2011 and estimates this to reach $1.93 billion in 2017. The research covers consulting, training, integration and implementation as well as support and maintenance services.

"Hospitals are now increasingly dependent on IT solutions to support their day-to-day, reduce human errors, limit operational costs and stay ahead in terms of technology," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Somsainathan C.K. "As the penetration of healthcare IT rises, hospitals are investing in professional services to optimise the use of these solutions."

Hospitals, now more than ever before, are recognising the importance of using the right communication and technology solutions. They are turning to healthcare IT professionals to select the models best suited to their needs.

The demand to update existing technology to boost efficiency and lower costs is further driving the growth of IT professional services in healthcare. This will have a beneficial impact on the training segment, in particular; when a new technology is acquired, hospital staff needs to be trained to use the upgraded version.

A major and continuing challenge for market participants remains shrinking healthcare budgets. These have adversely affected the revenues and the margins earned by industry participants.

"Lower cash inflows have motivated hospital CIOs to revisit investments into IT solutions and services," cautions Somsainathan. "Simultaneously, the market is being negatively affected by certain pre-conceived end user notions. For instance, some IT services, especially training and consulting, are perceived as adding very limited value to existing IT infrastructure and solutions."

The need, therefore, is for cost effective solutions that promote clinical and cost efficiencies. Service providers, on their part, will have to place cost optimisation on the top of their agendas.

"Newer architecture and delivery models, such as cloud services, will revive the market for healthcare IT professional services in the near future, as more and more hospitals are looking to improve their technology set up," concludes Somsainathan. "Ultimately, the need to reduce costs through the effective use of technology and the optimum utilisation of financial resources will help in improving the penetration rate of IT professional services in Europe".

If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an email with your contact details to Anna Zanchi, Corporate Communications, at anna.zanchi@frost.com.

Analysis of the European Healthcare IT Professional Services Market is part of the Connected Health Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Data Management Systems for Patient Monitoring Markets in Europe, European Market for non- Invasive Blood Pressure Monitors, European Telemetry Equipment Market and, European Pulse Oximetry Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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Anna Zanchi
Corporate Communications – Europe
P: +39.02.4851.6133
E: anna.zanchi@frost.com

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