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Health Care

Singapore’s Vibrant Healthcare Industry an Attractive Market for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Services, says Frost & Sullivan

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– Consumer demand for high-quality services bolsters innovation

SINGAPORE, March 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore’s private outpatient diagnostic imaging services market is receiving a huge boost from a combination of factors including a growing aged population, higher prevalence of non-communicable diseases, and the influx of medical tourists. An estimated 80 percent of the primary healthcare services in the country are provided by private practitioners and the remaining by government polyclinics. In response to the substantial opportunities, device manufacturers are focusing their efforts on developing sophisticated imaging technologies and offering quality output.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Singapore Private Outpatient Diagnostic Imaging Services Market (http://www.frost.com/q293927029), finds that the market earned revenues of US$127.8 million in 2013 and estimates this to reach US$273.0 million in 2019.

“With the increasing number of elderly and chronic disease patients, there is a marked shift in attitude from disease treatment to prevention,” said Frost & Sullivan Healthcare Consultant Poornima Srinivasan.

“Both patients and healthcare givers are seeking solutions that can aid in early diagnosis and regular monitoring, which, in turn, is driving the usage of diagnostic imaging services,” she added.

However, the market is somewhat constricted by the high capital expenditure on equipment. Hospitals and laboratories are also deterred by the service and maintenance costs of diagnostic imaging products such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Single Photon Emission CT (SPECT).

In addition, most diagnostic services, except for mammograms and colonoscopy, are not covered by the national insurance schemes in Singapore. Inadequate reimbursements tend to cause hospitals to defer their usage. Yet, consumer awareness regarding early diagnosis and intervention and the demand for low-radiation imaging equipment have made a strong case for sophisticated imaging technologies.

“The private outpatient diagnostic imaging market in Singapore is competing on technology and services rather than pricing,” noted Srinivasan.

“To retain their customer base and attract more customers, device manufacturers and service providers are aiming to invest in new technologies that can deliver more accurate results and a wider variety of tests,” she added.

Given the competitive nature of the market and end-user desire for novel, high-quality products, diagnostic imaging service providers with innovative technologies will flourish.

If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail to Melissa Tan, Corporate Communications, at melissa.tan@frost.com.

Singapore Private Outpatient Diagnostic Imaging Services Market is part of the Advanced Medical Technologies (http://www.medtech.frost.com) Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan’s related studies include: Drivers for Healthcare R&D Investment in Asia-Pacific, Technology Trends in Cardiac Imaging, Global Orthopedic Implant Market, and Multi-parameter Patient Monitoring Market in Asia-Pacific. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.

Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.

  • The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
  • The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.

For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?

Contact Us:     Start the discussion 
Join Us:           Join our community 
Subscribe:       Newsletter on “the next big thing” 
Register:         Gain access to visionary innovation

Singapore Private Outpatient Diagnostic Imaging Services Market
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Contact:

Melissa Tan
Corporate Communications – Asia Pacific
P: +65 6890 0926
F: +65 6890 0999
E: melissa.tan@frost.com

Donna Jeremiah
Corporate Communications – Asia Pacific
P: +61 (02) 8247 8927
F: +61 (02) 9252 8066
E: djeremiah@frost.com

Carrie Low
Corporate Communications – Asia Pacific
P: +603 6204 5910
F: +603 6201 7402
E: carrie.low@frost.com

http://www.frost.com

Health Care

Australia’s Healthcare Has Good Vital Signs, But Sustainability, Costs And Sources Of Funding Are Critical Areas, Says Frost & Sullivan

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– Onus to shift to consumers for healthcare spending as an aging population, chronic diseases and healthcare expenses grow

SYDNEY, March 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — In 2013, Australia’s healthcare per capita hit A$6,200 per annum, making up 9.3% of GDP. This ranks the highest in the Asia Pacific region in terms of expenditure per capita; and second highest as a percentage of GDP; exceeded slightly only by Japan. From 2013 to 2020, Australia’s spending is expected to increase at a CAGR of 3.2% from A$190 billion in 2013 to A$238 billion in 2020, accounting for nearly 10% of GDP then.

Rhenu Bhuller, Partner and Senior Vice President, Healthcare Asia Pacific, Frost & Sullivan

Rhenu Bhuller, Partner and Senior Vice President, Healthcare Asia Pacific, Frost & Sullivan

In 2013, Australia’s public expenditure was 68% after Japan in first place at 83% and Thailand second at 76%. Healthcare expenditure broken down by sector was 38% in hospitals, 36% in primary care, 20% in capital expenditure and 6% in other recurrent areas. Primary healthcare expenditure increased 61.8% in the last 10 years.

“Naturally with these statistics, sustainability of current levels of expenditure, cost management, and sources of funding are essential factors that need addressing. Privatization of government health service and government funded R&D will be strong focus areas,” said Rhenu Bhuller, Partner and Senior Vice President, Healthcare, Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific.

“While Government spending will focus on development of public healthcare infrastructure, adoption and implementation of technology and chronic and infectious diseases control and treatment, private healthcare spending is expected to see consistent growth to 2020 with out-of-pocket spending expected to rise at more than 8% each year,” said Bhuller.

State and territory government funding for hospitals have increased by 78.6% over the last 10 years while non-government expenditure on hospitals increased by 88.6%. In 2013, Australia had 1,355 hospitals, and this is expected to grow largely through more public-private partnerships; such as the Bendigo Hospital and HP with the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

68% of healthcare funding was by the government, whilst the 32% of non government spending was contributed to by 26.3% out-of-pocket, 11.8% private insurance and 8.5% others. Over 2012 and 2013, out-of-pocket spending in Australia grew 8.2% and non-government spending increased 10%. Year-on-year growth in both these areas was more than government spending, indicating the increasing contribution from individuals in healthcare payments.

An aging population and rising incidence of chronic conditions like cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are forcing the government and healthcare providers to take a two pronged approach towards improving health quality and reducing cost of care through exploring chronic disease management programs that help patients stay out of the hospital; and adopting Population Health Management programs that reduce disease cost and risk over a sizeable population. “Moving healthcare delivery from hospitals to primary and community care is a prerogative for the government. Various public and private providers are exploring technology-based solutions to improve efficiency of healthcare services, as well as drive changes in consumer behavior towards preventive healthcare,” Bhuller said. Aged care products and services in areas like home healthcare and remote patient monitoring will be crucial to support independent aging and aging in place. 

The key trends for healthcare in Australia will be that increasingly, consumers will be given responsibility for health, complementary therapies will gain recognition, competition in aged care will intensify, integrated platforms will be a necessity for chronic disease management and a rise of GP super clinics will be inevitable to reduce the load on hospitals.

Complimentary Medicine (CM) includes a wide set of specialty, herbal, and natural or medicines that are regulated under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and typically includes vitamins and minerals, nutritional supplements, homeopathic medicines and Chinese medicines. Scientific literature documenting the medical and cost benefits of complementary therapies is mounting and spreading awareness around wellness and healthy behaviors has the potential to yield billions in net economic benefit. Clinicians as well as regulators will encourage the use of complementary therapies in healthcare, mainly as a step towards prevention and healthy living.

Australia’s population of over 65 will almost double over the next three decades and government spending on aged care is expected to rise by almost 7% year-on-year. Frost & Sullivan expects increased M&As in this area with the sector witnessing an influx of non-traditional players. “Beyond government paid customers, aged care service providers will target the high-end segment with more sophisticated offerings; such as resort-style facilities and in-home health monitoring,” said Bhuller.

An increase in chronic diseases means a social and economic burden as more people live with a compromised quality of life, and the cost of care will rise and burden healthcare services. Mobile health platforms will emerge as a vital aspect of chronic disease management and consumers will increasing need to invest in home monitoring devices and use apps and emergency response systems. Practitioners and insurers will promote mHealth platforms for chronic disease management that integrate various mobile devices, patient monitoring technologies and apps.

The Government has allocated almost A$570 million towards establishing 60 GP Super Clinics and expanding 425 existing GP, primary care and community health services. These government sponsored GP Super Clinics providers comprise integrated practices that house practice nurses, AHPs, visiting medical specialists and other healthcare providers to provide primary care services. GP Super Clinics and other models of remote care delivery, such as telehealth at pharmacies and primary care service providers are intended to help move healthcare outside the hospital, a move that Frost & Sullivan believes is crucial to manage long term healthcare costs.

Frost & Sullivan’s 2015 Healthcare outlook comprises global, APAC, individual country and Health IT sections. The full briefing was presented in Sydney on March 19, 2015.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies? Contact us: Start the discussion

Media Contact:

Donna Jeremiah
Corporate Communications — Asia Pacific
P: +612–82478927
F: +612-92528066
E: djeremiah@frost.com

http://www.frost.com

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150324/8521501869

Health Care

ADI and IAGG Select Care Expo for Education Programs

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SHANGHAI, March 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Care Expo is co-organized by UBM China, Asia Federation of Aged-Care Services and Hampton Hoerter Healthcare, with the aim of promoting a more mature ageing industry B2B platform so as to accelerate the development of China’s senior care industry.

Care Expo 2015

Care Expo 2015

Care Expo, the leading B2B aged-care conference and trade show in China, has secured a Symposium and a Master Class with two global aged-care leaders; the International Association for Geriatrics and Gerontology (IAGG) and Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), respectively.

The Master Class with ADI entitled “Practical Approaches to Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease in China“, will take place on Day 1 of Care Expo, to be held in Shanghai on November 17-18, 2015, while the IAGG Symposium, entitled “Ageing Population and Advanced Aged-Care Practices in China“, will take place on Day 2.

Given the importance of ADI and IAGG to the global aged-care industry, Care Expo is announcing its call for papers at the present time. Industry experts in dementia or gerontology, published Academics and well-known aged-care professionals are encouraged to immediately submit a 250 word topical abstract for the ADI Master Class or the IAGG Symposium, depending on the presenter’s expertise. More information on each call for papers and its submission requirements can be found under the relevant header at www.CareExpoChina.com/?l=en. Please email submissions or programs inquiries to: edprogram@careexpochina.com .   

The ADI Master Class at Care Expo is the first time ADI has entered the China aged-care market. Over 200 local aged-care professionals are expected at the ADI Master Class which will feature nine in-depth topics and 12 local and multinational speakers.

Marc Wortmann, Executive Director of ADI, commented on his hopes for the Master Class: “We want Chinese health care professionals to come out of the Master Class with a better understanding how the disease’s stigma is a barrier for support and treatment of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s and what can be done about it. Secondly, that dementia has a lot of risk factors in common with other chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes and how healthy lifestyle measures can help reduce the risk or delay the onset of the disease. Support from local China Associations and academic institutions has been broad with Peking University, Shanghai Services Federation and Shanghai Association of Social Welfare all committing resources to the event.

The IAGG Symposium at Care Expo is the first time IAGG has sponsored a symposium for the China Aged-Care market. Over 250 local aged-care professionals are expected at the IAGG Symposium which will feature 11 in-depth topics and 15 local and multinational speakers.

Heung Bong, President of IAGG, said the objectives of the Symposium are, “…to highlight the main issues of population ageing and aged care in China and develop a regionally specific model of care from a global perspective. Since China has the largest older population in the world and its increase will rapidly advance, consequently an array of issues associated with the population ageing will emerge in China.” Support from local China Associations and academic institutions has been broad with Shanghai Services Federation and Shanghai Association of Social Welfare both committing resources to the event.

About IAGG: The IAGG, founded in 1950 in Belgium, has as its primary mission to promote the highest levels of achievement in gerontological research and training worldwide. The IAGG is a United Nations recognized NGO with special consultative status the UN Economic and Social Council. The IAGG is presently located in Seoul, South Korea. Dr. Heung Bong Cha and Dr. Sung-Jae Choi are its President and Secretary General, respectively. Official website: www.iagg.info.

About ADI: Alzheimer’s Disease International is a not for profit organization with its primary office located in London. ADI exists to empower national Alzheimer associations to promote and offer care and support for people with dementia and their caregivers, whilst working globally to focus attention on the disease’s epidemic and campaign for progressive policy change from governments. Marc Wortmann is the Executive Director of ADI. Official website: www.alz.co.uk.

About Care Expo: Care Expo is China’s largest multinational aged-care B2B communications and trade show. Held once a year every November in Shanghai, it offers 1) innovative forums taught by global aged-care leaders, 2) senior industry businesses a superior platform for marketing and 3) access to facility owners for specialized care operators all in China. Privately owned and operated, Care Expo is supported by leading China government organizations and associations. Official website: www.CareExpoChina.com/?l=en.

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150319/0861502059

CONTACT: Jessie Yang, +86 21 6054 4835, jessie.yang@careexpochina.com

Health Care

MED-EL Founders Ingeborg Hochmair, PhD, and Professor Erwin Hochmair Awarded 2015 Russ Prize from the National Academy of Engineering

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INNSBRUCK, Austria, Jan. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ —

– Cross reference: Picture is available at epa european pressphoto agency (http://www.epa.eu) and http://www.presseportal.de/pm/62623/ –

The National Academy of Engineering announced today that bioengineering pioneers and MED-EL Medical Electronics GmbH co-founders Ingeborg Hochmair, PhD, and Professor Erwin Hochmair have been awarded the 2015 Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize, for engineering cochlear implants that enable the deaf to hear. The prize is shared with Duke University Professor Blake Wilson, MED-EL advisor and Director of MED-EL’s first US-based, onsite basic research laboratory in Durham, NC; Professor Graeme Clark, University of Melbourne; and Professor Emeritus Michael Merzenich, University of California, San Francisco.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150701/724065-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150701/724065-b)

The lives of nearly 450,000 people of all ages around the world have been touched, and in many cases, transformed, because of the vision and work of many researchers, engineers and surgeons. The cochlear implant was, and remains, the first replacement of a human sense: the sense of hearing.

The Hochmairs are being recognized for their outstanding bioengineering achievements toward the development of cochlear implants.

“Our corporate mission is now the same as our personal mission from the start: to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life,” said Ingeborg.  “While it was possible to develop the very first multichannel cochlear implant system as a very small engineering team, our current development team is comprised of approximately 250 engineers and physicists, all working passionately towards future technological advances for existing and new recipients of hearing implant systems.”

“Designing and further developing hearing implants has been so intriguing because it involves many different fields of science and engineering such as circuit design, microelectronics, radio frequency engineering, mechanical engineering, material science, information technology, software development, and acoustics in addition to the physiological complexities associated with working with the human body,” said Erwin.  “But, it is so much more than an engineering task.  Opening the world of sound to people living in silence is an idea that would have once been ridiculous.  It’s humbling to think of the many infants, children and adults from around the world who have had doors opened because of this technology – an idea whose time had come.”

Early Success Makes History

In 1975, cochlear implant development in Vienna was initiated by Ingeborg Hochmair, a PhD in electrical engineering, and Erwin, a Professor at the Technical University in Vienna, at the request of Professor Kurt Burian, head of the ENT-Clinic at the University of Vienna.  The implant had eight channels, a stimulation rate of 10,000 pulses per second per channel, eight independent current sources and a flexible electrode for 22-25mm insertion into the cochlea.  This led to the world’s first multichannel, micro-electronic cochlear implant surgery in Vienna, Austria, on December 16, 1977.  Professor Kurt Burian performed the early implant surgeries.  

Looking Toward the Future

Today, MED-EL is a worldwide leader in hearing implant technology.  Early cochlear implant discoveries have led to the development of new technologies to treat hearing loss, including electric-acoustic stimulation and auditory brain stem implants.  While once limited in scope, the adoption of cochlear implants continues to expand around the world.  However, there remains a great need for improved access to this technology, which has the potential to improve the lives of many millions of people globally.

Speaking to future bioengineers and researchers, Ingeborg said, “We live during one of the most exciting times in history for biomedical research and development.  The outgrowth of technological advances has been exceptional in terms of the possibilities for people with hearing loss and many other medical conditions.  What seemed impossible just a generation ago, is now not only possible, but has become widespread practice. There are so many further developments awaiting realization and many discoveries yet to be made.”

About MED-EL

MED-EL Medical Electronics is a leading provider of hearing implant systems worldwide.  The company was founded by Austrian scientists and industry pioneers Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, who together developed the world’s first microelectronic, multichannel cochlear implant in 1977.  The cochlear implant was and remains the first replacement of a human sense, the sense of hearing. In 1990, the Hochmairs laid the foundation for the successful growth of the company when they hired their first employees. Today, the privately-held company has more than 1,500 employees around the world. Individuals in more than 100 countries enjoy the gift of hearing with a MED-EL Hearing Implant System.

MED-EL’s mission is to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life.  The company offers the widest range of implantable solutions worldwide to treat the various degrees of hearing loss, including cochlear, middle ear and bone conduction implant systems as well as a system for combined electric and acoustic stimulation. http://www.medel.com

The Hochmairs and entire MED-EL family congratulate all of this year’s Russ Prize recipients.

CONTACT:

Thomas Herrmann
MED-EL Medical Electronics
Furstenweg 77a
A – 6020 Innsbruck
T: +43(0)577-88-5182
press[a]medel.com

Health Care

Emerging Technology Advances Neuromodulation while Collaboration Creates Boundless Industry Opportunity

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— Frost & Sullivan’s complimentary webinar explores new frontiers in neuromodulation divulging insights on partnership prospects

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —

WHEN:

11:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014

LOCATION:

Online, with free registration

SPEAKERS:

Frost & Sullivan Technical Insights Research Analyst Bhargav Rajan

The human brain has been an organ of great fascination and concepts such as mind control, telepathic communications and brain-computer interfaces, all of which have fueled many science-fiction stories. How realistic are these concepts? Can we expect them to be realized in our lifetime? Frost & Sullivan’s Technical Insights practice explores the advances made in the nervous system modulation space and presents a snapshot of the current and future applications.

Frost & Sullivan (www.frost.com)

Frost & Sullivan (www.frost.com)

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141124/160586LOGO

Neuromodulation is the concept of modulating the nervous system – the brain, the spinal cord and the thousands of nerves in the human body. Deep brain stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation have been practiced clinically for many years treating physical, psychiatric and psychological conditions. With an aging population at hand, the probability of age-related mental illnesses is high. Neuromodulation is expected to play a crucial role in this scenario. This webinar will also examine more complex technologies such as brain-computer interfaces, neural prosthesis, bio-neurofeedback and many other convergent and collaborative scenarios impacting both medical and non-medical applications.

Attend this webinar to:

  • Learn about emerging neuromodulation technologies
  • Identify collaboration opportunities
  • Uncover the technology and adoption road-map of neuromodulation

As this presentation will discuss emerging trends and opportunities in multi-disciplinary fields of neuromodulation, this webinar benefits medical device companies, healthcare providers, technology developers in the information technology spaces, sensor companies, universities, clinical and translational research groups, and funding and regulatory agencies.

Supporting Quote

“Globally, the number of people over 60 years of age is expected to double in the next 30 to 35 years. An aging population brings with it several issues, chief among them, is age-related health concerns,” said Frost & Sullivan Technical Insights Research Analyst Bhargav Rajan. “Managing and treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases is the most pressing market driver for research in neuromodulation and neurostimulation. Innovations in sensor technologies, wireless communications, miniature processors, and the growing use of information and communication technologies in therapy are expected to spur innovations in the neuromodulation technology space.”

Registration

  • Register to attend this briefing by emailing Jennifer Carson, corporate communications, at Jennifer.Carson@frost.com. Include the following information: full name, job title, company name, company telephone number, company email address and website, city, state and country.
  • View the on-demand version of this briefing any time after the live presentation by visiting – http://bit.ly/1F4gsAW

Supporting Resources

  • For more information about Frost & Sullivan’s Technical Insights practices, please visit: http://www.frost.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.

Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.

  • The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
  • The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.

For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?

Contact Us: Start the discussion

Join Us: Join our community

Subscribe: Newsletter on “the next big thing”

Register: Gain access to visionary innovation

Contact:
Jennifer Carson
Frost & Sullivan
+1.210.247.2450
jennifer.carson@frost.com

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20141125/8521407049LOGO

Health Care PUB

International Federation on Ageing and Bayer HealthCare Release Report Raising Awareness of How Pets Contribute to Healthy Ageing

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– The first-of-its-kind report investigates how pets may contribute to physical, mental and societal well-being, in an ageing global demographic

TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — With advances in global public health, people around the world are living longer than ever before[i]. In response to the ageing population, healthcare systems and governments are actively working to manage the expected healthcare costs associated with the ageing process and chronic conditions of older people. The health impact of pets on older people is explored in a new report published by the International Federation on Ageing, through an educational sponsorship from Bayer HealthCare. The report, “Companion Animals and the Health of Older Persons,” provides a comprehensive literature review into the ways pets contribute to the physical and mental health of individuals and the well-being of society.

“This field of research has important implications across generations and also for the future of our broader societies,” says Dr. Jane Barratt, International Federation on Ageing. “Many studies have broadly discussed how pets, such as dogs and cats, contribute to health by reducing anxiety, loneliness and depression, but until today have not yet been published in a single resource. This new report advances our understanding of the value of companion animals in the framework of human health and the broader society.”

The therapeutic benefits of companion animals is an area of study attracting increasing interest among health and social science professionals. “Companion Animals and the Health of Older Persons,” is a review of the research literature on companion animals and older people from 1980 to 2013, with two goals: to summarize the health, social and economic benefits of companion animals, animal-assisted activities and interventions in the care of older adults as determined through evidence-based research; and to use this unique data to inform future research in the fields of rehabilitation, active ageing and aged care policy and programs at local and national levels.

“The interaction between humans and animals is powerful. Animals can educate, motivate, and enhance the quality of life for people around the world,” says Michael Devoy, Chief Medical Officer, Bayer HealthCare. “Given the scope of this report, we are excited that this research has the ability to reach human healthcare practitioners, veterinarians, doctors, nurses, gerontologists, and social workers.”

Companion Animals & the Health of Older Persons Web Conference Press Event

Today, the International Federation on Ageing and Bayer HealthCare formally release “Companion Animals and the Health of Older Persons,” with a global web conference on the topic. Moderated by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, and featuring panelists Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General, International Federation on Ageing; Dr. James Gillett, Chair of Health, Aging and Society, McMaster University; and Michael Devoy, Chief Medical Officer, Bayer HealthCare, the web conference provides detailed insights and narrative, framing the topic for journalists, policy makers and healthcare professionals. “This topic is timely and will become another way in which veterinarians and healthcare professionals can collaborate to solve challenges for humans and animals,” says Dr. Marty Becker. “As policy makers tackle the challenges associated with the oldest population the world has ever seen, it is important to consider the impact of companion animals to physical, mental and societal health.”

The “Companion Animals and Older Persons” press event will also feature a live Twitter feed, available @Bayer4Animals and @IntFedAgeing, using hashtags: #Pets4Health #Aging.

About the International Federation on Ageing
The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is an international non-governmental organization with a membership base of NGOs, the corporate sector, academia, government, and individuals. The IFA believes in ‘generating positive change for older people throughout the world by stimulating, collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information on rights, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life of people as they age.’

About Bayer HealthCare
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, agriculture and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subgroup of Bayer AG with annual sales of EUR 18.9 billion (2013), is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Medical Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover, develop, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Bayer HealthCare has a global workforce of 56,000 employees (Dec 31, 2013) and is represented in more than 100 countries. More information is available at www.healthcare.bayer.com.

______________________________
[i]United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ageing in the Twenty-First Century: A Celebration and A Challenge

For further information:

Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General
International Federation on Ageing
Tel: 416-342-1655
Email: jbarratt@ifa-fiv.org

CSE Health Care

Frost & Sullivan Applauds MobileHelp for its Targeted Supplies for the PERS Market

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MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Based on its recent analysis of the personal emergency response systems (PERS) market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes MobileHelp with the 2014 North America Frost & Sullivan Award for Price Performance Value Leadership. MobileHelp’s leadership in flexibility across in-home and mobile usage directly captures expectations for tech progression in personal emergency response, and exemplifies key demands of US consumers for these solutions.

MobileHelp is at the forefront of convenience and utility in the M-PERS market and offers a simple two product option covering the range of use cases, with a uniform cellular rate plan. MobileHelp has been active in its dedication to broader mobile medical device product goals that augment its core capabilities in emergency response. Frost & Sullivan believes that both its referral branding within facility-to-home care as well as its increasing direct-to-consumer presence will allow it to expand a cost-effective product base across the medical and monitoring spectrum over time.

Primary consumer interest factors in PERS include price, reliability, contract flexibility, and customer experience of the emergency response. MobileHelp has delivered a strong value story for buyers with its simple interface and top-class emergency referral, including robust features and services provided in system pricing for its DUO series.

MobileHelp has been a pioneer in wearable devices with its wristwatch, which greatly reduces product bulk, damage through movement or falls, and issues related to daily forgetfulness of use. Secondly, the two-step transition between the Classic and DUO product suites allows customers to seamlessly upgrade from indoor-only to mixed indoor/outdoor use, with no interruption to service. MobileHelp also focuses on return guarantees, low obligatory service commitment and easy product upgrade, making its solutions very attractive for new buyers that are seeking emergency care support without product risk.

“Mobility is a key component of shifting customer expectations in personal emergency response systems,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Daniel Ruppar. Providing systems which broaden flexibility, while offering important ease of use, service support, and other high value factors supporting solution purchase decisions are key characteristics of leadership in this important Senior focused market.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has developed a product that offers price competitiveness, ease of use, as well as service effectiveness.

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for outstanding achievement in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and product development.