Medical Computer Cart Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The medical computer cart market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 2,152.66 million by 2028, up from US$ 885.81 million in 2021. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% from 2021 to 2028.

Several factors are contributing to this upward trend, including the increasing adoption of electronic medical record (EMR) and electronic health record (EHR) systems, as well as the rising use of cloud-based technologies. However, the presence of alternative solutions to traditional computers poses a challenge to market expansion.

Electronic health record systems are designed to collect, create, and store patient data efficiently. Historically, the uptake of these systems among healthcare providers has been gradual. Recently, the US federal government has enacted legislation mandating the use of electronic records, which has accelerated their adoption. These systems enhance clinical documentation processes, tracking, billing, coding, and facilitate the portability of health records. Key components of EHR systems include administrative functions, computer-aided recording of physician orders, laboratory and radiology systems, pharmacy systems, and clinical documentation systems. The HL7 standard communication protocol is predominantly utilized within these electronic health record systems.

The benefits of electronic patient records are substantial, leading to improved healthcare efficiency, enhanced quality and safety, and reduced costs for consumers. These systems streamline the management of patient information, boost productivity, and lower expenses related to medical information management. Furthermore, effective information management allows healthcare providers to access critical data more readily. EMR systems also take into account essential human factors, ergonomics, work processes, and environmental conditions, which are vital for enhancing the quality and cost-effectiveness of patient care, as well as ensuring the safety of both staff and patients.

Healthcare professionals often experience discomfort when using keyboards and other input devices for extended periods. This discomfort can lead to an increase in ergonomic injuries, particularly when there is insufficient attention to technology design, manufacturer specifications, and training. Addressing these issues is crucial to mitigate risks and improve working conditions.

Moreover, EMR systems are becoming increasingly popular among healthcare providers, including hospitals and clinics, for the storage of vital patient information such as medical histories, diagnoses, medications, vaccination records, allergies, and lab results. Given that computers often need to connect to various mobile medical devices like portable X-ray machines and ECG devices, medical computer carts are essential for housing monitors, CPUs, keyboards, scanners, and other necessary accessories in a single location.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and Medical Care in 2020 revealed that clinicians in the US spent an average of 90 minutes daily using EHR systems, compared to about one hour for their counterparts in non-US regions. This disparity highlights the growing reliance on EMR and EHR systems among healthcare providers, which in turn fuels the growth of the medical computer cart market.

Mobile computer trolleys typically feature a workstation equipped with a laptop and often include drawers for storing essential medical devices. When healthcare professionals gather patient data, they can input this information directly into the EHR on-site, allowing the patient's physician immediate access to the data. An optimal mobile medical computer cart can function as a point-of-care cart, easily transported to patient beds. These flexible carts are designed with height adjustment features and utilize the same data management systems as desktop computers within the facility. Battery-powered carts should be equipped with long-lasting batteries to ensure they can operate through multiple shifts, with hot-swap batteries being a viable option for continuous use.

By reducing the time healthcare workers spend accessing wall-mounted computers, they can dedicate more time to delivering quality patient care. Improved computer access also streamlines processes such as confirming doctor appointments and resolving queries, fostering a sense of connection between patients and clinics, and encouraging greater patient involvement in their treatment.

Type Insights

The global medical computer cart market is categorized into two main types: powered medical computer carts and integrated medical computer carts. In 2020, the integrated medical computer carts segment held a larger market share. However, the powered medical computer carts segment is anticipated to experience a higher CAGR during the forecast period from 2021 to 2028. Market players are offering medical computer carts that come integrated with various essential devices, including video cameras, keyboards, and scanning devices. The growing acceptance of integrated medical computer carts among healthcare professionals is expected to drive market growth in the coming years.

End Users Insights

In terms of end users, the medical computer cart market is divided into hospitals, diagnostic centers, ambulatory surgical centers, and others. The hospitals segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021 and is projected to maintain its dominance through 2028. This segment's growth is attributed to the increasing digitization of healthcare systems, the availability of diverse product types, and the rising adoption rates of these devices in hospital environments.

Key sources referenced in the preparation of this report on the global medical computer cart market include the West Monroe Partner report, the Journal of Patient Safety, the National Electronic Health Records Survey, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canada Health Infoway, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Max Planck Institute, the International Trade Corporation, Business Monitor International, and Worldometer.