The clinical decision support software market is set to grow in Europe, but a number of obstacles currently stand in the way of vendors’ success, a report published by industry consultants Frost & Sullivan is suggesting.
Frost & Sullivan expects that in six years time, the market for decision software support systems for clinicians will be worth £227m, up from the current value of £126m. However, to reach that point testing, research and awareness issues must be addressed.
"Continual product development and testing will be essential for ensuring greater accuracy, reliability, interoperability and scalability, and encouraging wider uptake”, said Kiran John, research analyst. “Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) providers capable of delivering solutions with these attributes stand to win lucrative contracts.”
“Healthcare information technologies (HIT) vendors will have to formulate strategies to increase research on CDSS, and explore new avenues to creatively test CDSS solutions”, he added. “This dedication to research and development will ensure continued progress in terms of product accuracy and reliability.”
Frost predicts a surge in product development in clinical decision support systems over the next few years, and believes that existing vendors will have the best opportunity of taking advantage of the growing market. Government-funded research, however, may be restricted due to low awareness of the product.
Small as well as large software companies may stand to benefit, however. “Specialist participants already possess the expertise needed to carve distinct niches for themselves”, said John. “However, they will have to concentrate on building strategic alliances, in order to increase their visibility in the industry, as well as to have more effective access to decision makers.”
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