The global Patient Lateral Transfer Market, valued at USD 508.9 million in 2023, is expected to grow to USD 551.1 million in 2024 and reach USD 979.9 million by 2031, with a CAGR of 8.57% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by healthcare facilities increasingly focusing on improving patient handling efficiency to ensure better care and reduce workplace injuries.
Key Market Drivers
Several factors are driving the growth of the Patient Lateral Transfer Market:
- Rising Focus on Occupational Safety: Healthcare workers are at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to manual patient handling. Increasing awareness about the importance of workplace safety is encouraging hospitals and healthcare providers to invest in lateral transfer devices to mitigate such risks.
- Increasing Healthcare Infrastructure: With the growing number of hospitals, especially in developing countries, there is a rising demand for patient handling equipment to ensure smooth and safe patient transfers.
- Technological Advancements: Newer innovations in lateral transfer systems, including air-assisted devices, are enhancing ease of use, minimizing friction, and improving patient comfort, which in turn is driving market growth.
- Aging Population: The increasing number of elderly patients requiring medical care is further boosting demand for lateral transfer devices, particularly in long-term care and rehabilitation facilities.
Key Companies in Patient Lateral Transfer Market
- Arjo
- Medline Industries, Inc.
- AliMed
- HoverTech International.
- EZ Way Inc.
- Haines Medical Australia
- Patient Positioning Systems, LLC.
- Stryker
- Agiliti Health, Inc.
- Wy’East Medical.
Key Industry Development
- September 2023 (Product Launch): Pelstar LLC, along with its subsidiaries McAuley Medical and Bridge Healthcare, introduced the BridgeAir Breathable Air-Assisted Lateral Transfer and Repositioning Mattress. This new product is expected to enhance patient safety and comfort during lateral transfers and repositioning.
The global patient lateral transfer market is segmented as:
By Product Type
- Air-assisted Transfer Devices
- Reusable
- Disposable
- Slide Sheets
- Reusable
- Disposable
- Transfer Boards
- Mechanical Lateral Transfer Devices
- Electric
- Manual
- Other Products
- Belts and Slings
- Transfer Chairs
By Usage
- Single-patient Use
- Multi-patient Use
By Technology
- Manual Transfer Devices
- Powered Transfer Devices
- Hybrid Transfer Devices
By End-User
- Hospitals
- Public
- Private
- Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)
- Nursing Homes
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Home Care Settings
- Others
By Weight Capacity
- For Patients < 150 lbs
- For Patients 150-300 lbs
- For Patients > 300 lbs
By Region
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- France
- UK
- Spain
- Germany
- Italy
- Russia
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- North Africa
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
Segmentation Insights
The report from King’s Research offers an in-depth analysis of the market across various segments:
- Product Type: The air-assisted transfer devices segment dominated the market in 2022, accounting for over 50% of the total market share. These devices are widely preferred for their ease of use and ability to minimize physical strain on healthcare workers.
- End-User: Hospitals remain the largest end-user segment, driven by the need to enhance operational efficiency and reduce injury risks for both patients and caregivers. The long-term care segment is also witnessing rapid growth due to the increasing elderly population.
- Region: North America held the largest share of the market in 2022, driven by the region’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and strict regulations regarding patient and caregiver safety. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth, propelled by increasing healthcare investments and improving healthcare standards in countries like China, India, and Japan.
Market Challenges
While the Patient Lateral Transfer Market is growing rapidly, certain challenges persist:
- High Initial Costs: The cost of implementing patient transfer systems, especially air-assisted devices, can be a barrier for smaller hospitals and healthcare facilities, particularly in developing economies.
- Lack of Skilled Workforce: Ensuring that healthcare staff are adequately trained to operate these devices is essential for successful implementation, but a lack of trained personnel can hinder adoption.
Future Outlook
The future of the Patient Lateral Transfer Market looks promising, with innovations in patient handling technologies, increasing regulatory focus on workplace safety, and the adoption of AI-driven solutions set to open new avenues for market players. With manufacturers focusing on developing affordable and technologically advanced systems, the market is expected to experience sustainable growth through 2030.
