Patient Scales Market by Type (Mechanical and Electronic), Product (Floor Scales, Body Fat Scales, Physician Scales, Pediatric Scales, Chair Scales, Under Bed Scales, Bariatric Scales, and Others), End-use (Hospitals, Clinics, Retail, Healthcare, Medical Centers, and Others), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Patient Scales Overview

Patient scales are widely utilized in bariatric care institutions and hospital geriatrics for measuring height, weight, and various other parameters of the patient. These scales are designed for efficiency and ease of use, often featuring shelf-mounted indicators. Accurate readings aid in diagnosis and monitoring in diverse patient care scenarios. The market offers different patient scales, such as chair, infant & baby, and floor scales, catering to specific needs. These scales utilize the force of gravity to measure weight, usually represented in kilograms or grams, and some models even measure height alongside importance. They also calculate individuals' Body Mass Index (BMI). While electrical scales are widely used in modern healthcare facilities, mechanical scales are prevalent in areas with limited power resources, including homes and rural regions. Overall, patient scales are indispensable tools for healthcare professionals, providing vital data for patient assessment and care management.

Global Patient Scales Market Analysis

The global patient scales market size was $XX million in 2022 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of XX%, by generating a revenue of $XX million by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Patient Scales Market

The COVID-19 pandemic positively and negatively affected the patient scales market. As the healthcare system faced an overwhelming number of COVID-19 cases, the demand for medical equipment, including patient scales, surged to monitor and manage patient care effectively. Telehealth and remote monitoring also became more prevalent during the pandemic, leading to a greater need for home-use patient scales to transmit data for remote monitoring. However, global supply chain disruptions caused by lockdowns and travel restrictions impacted the production and distribution of these devices, leading to potential delays and shortages. Additionally, with many healthcare facilities postponing non-urgent procedures, some orders for patient scales might have been delayed or canceled. The pandemic's economic impact also created financial constraints for healthcare institutions and consumers, affecting purchasing decisions.

On the bright side, the situation encouraged innovation and technological advancements in the patient scales market, with manufacturers developing touchless or wireless capabilities to meet the demand for safer and more convenient devices.

Rising Healthcare Expenditure to Drive the Market Growth

The patient scales market is influenced by several key factors contributing to its growth and demand. First and foremost, the rising healthcare expenditure across the globe led to increased investment in advanced medical devices, including patient scales. Additionally, the aging population's prevalence of chronic diseases and age-related conditions drives the demand for patient scales in various healthcare settings. Moreover, the growing incidence of obesity necessitates specialized patient scales capable of accurately measuring and monitoring the weight of obese patients. Technological advancements have significantly developed more sophisticated patient scales with features like electronic data recording and wireless connectivity. Furthermore, the emphasis on preventive healthcare and the rising awareness of health monitoring drive the demand for patient scales for personal use and home healthcare settings. Government initiatives and regulations regarding medical device safety and accuracy also influence the market, pushing manufacturers to produce reliable scales. The expansion of hospitals and healthcare facilities and the increasing adoption of electronic health records further contribute to the market's growth.

Limited Reimbursement Policies to Restrain the Market Growth  

The patient scales market faces several restraining factors. Firstly, limited reimbursement policies in some healthcare systems could also hinder adoption, as patient scales might need to be fully covered or have restricted reimbursement options. The high cost of patient scales, particularly those with advanced features, may deter healthcare facilities or individuals from investing in them. Moreover, resistance to change within healthcare institutions and concerns about accuracy and reliability might lead to reluctance to adopt new technologies. Privacy and data security concerns regarding the data collected by modern patient scales could also dissuade healthcare providers and patients from using them. Additionally, alternative solutions, such as manual scales or less expensive alternatives, may pose competition and limit market growth. Regulatory hurdles, low awareness, and infrastructure limitations in certain regions may further restrain the market. Economic downturns and healthcare crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, could also impact healthcare budgets, resulting in delayed investments in non-essential medical equipment like patient scales.

Increasing Aging Population to Drive Excellent Opportunities

The patient scales market is ripe with opportunities, driven by various factors. The aging global population has increased chronic disease prevalence, necessitating regular health monitoring, including weight measurement. Moreover, technological advancements have contributed to developing sophisticated patient scales with features like wireless connectivity and integration with electronic health records. The rise of home healthcare services has also boosted demand for patient scales, allowing individuals to monitor their weight conveniently and cost-effectively at home. Additionally, the growing emphasis on preventive healthcare has highlighted the importance of regular weight monitoring, leading to potential market expansion. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of telehealth and remote patient monitoring has created a demand for patient scales to remotely transmit data to healthcare providers. As people become more health-conscious, a trend toward self-monitoring could drive the consumer market for patient scales. Lastly, the expanding healthcare infrastructure and disposable incomes in emerging economies present opportunities for global market growth.

Global Patient Scales Market Share, by Type, 2022

The electronic sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Electronic patient scales dominate the healthcare industry for several compelling reasons. Their superior accuracy and precision, thanks to advanced sensors and digital technology, have made them a preferred choice over traditional mechanical scales. Furthermore, their user-friendly interfaces and easy-to-read digital displays have made the weighing process accessible and efficient for healthcare professionals and patients. Electronic patient scales have enhanced data management and remote monitoring capabilities by enabling seamless integration with electronic health record systems and other healthcare software, facilitating informed decision-making. Additionally, their swift readings and additional features like BMI calculation and body composition analysis have optimized patient assessments. The portability of electronic patient scales allows for bedside weighing and use in remote medical clinics, further expanding their utility.

Global Patient Scales Market Share, by Product, 2022

The floor scales sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Floor scales have emerged as dominant players in the patient scale market, and several factors have contributed to their popularity. Their larger size and versatility enable them to accommodate patients of various sizes, making them suitable for diverse healthcare settings. Furthermore, floor scales are easy for patients to step onto, enhancing the overall patient experience, particularly for those with limited mobility or requiring assistance during weighing. The accuracy and precision of floor scales are critical for medical purposes, as they facilitate proper medication dosages, patient progress assessment, and treatment management. Additionally, their durability and resistance to wear and tear translate into cost savings for healthcare facilities in the long term. With competitive pricing and widespread availability, floor scales have become affordable for many providers. Moreover, their potential integration with electronic health record (EHR) systems streamlines patient data management.

Global Patient Scales Market Share, by End-use, 2022

The hospitals sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Hospitals have potentially dominated the patient scales market through several key factors. Firstly, their substantial budgets for specialized equipment procurement allow them to invest in high-quality, accurate patient scales, ensuring precise medical measurements and patient care. Compliance with strict regulations and standards is paramount in medical facilities, particularly hospitals, which further motivates their preference for certified scales. Additionally, hospitals' adoption of electronic health record systems incentivizes the integration of patient scales with these platforms, streamlining data management and enhancing overall efficiency. With a large patient volume, hospitals benefit from having multiple patient scales readily available, reducing waiting times and ensuring smooth patient flow. Furthermore, some hospitals engage in medical research, and patient scales with data collection capabilities contribute to valuable data gathering for research projects. As trusted institutions for healthcare, hospitals' reputation and reliability extend to the equipment they use, including patient scales.

Global Patient Scales Market Share, by Region, 2022

The North America patient scales market generated the highest revenue in 2022. North America has dominated the patient scales market due to several key factors. First, the region's strong focus on technological advancements in the healthcare industry has allowed companies to develop cutting-edge patient scales with superior accuracy and functionality. Additionally, the well-established healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare spending, and large aging population in North America have driven the demand for patient scales to monitor and care for patients effectively. The region's economic strength, particularly in the United States and Canada, enables a higher adoption rate of advanced medical technologies, including patient scales. Moreover, the favorable regulatory environment, market competition, and innovation have further solidified North America's leadership in the industry.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Patient Scales Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. One of the leading market players in the industry is Bodyport. In November 2022, Bodyport announced receiving U.S. FDA authorization for its body port cardiac scale, a noninvasive biomarker platform. This innovation would assist people with fluid management conditions such as kidney disease or heart failure.

Some of the leading patient scales market players are Health O Meter/ Pelstar, LLC, Algen Scale Corp., Detecto Scale Company, Hillrom (Welch Allyn Inc), Natus Medical Inc., Tanita, Seca GmbH and Co. Kg, Wedderburn Scales, Bodyport, SR Instruments, Inc., and Doran Scales Inc.