Per-Encounter Medical Market Size and Trends

Global per-encounter medical market is expected to experience substantial growth, with an anticipated value of US$ 327.84 Bn by 2030, up from US$ 116.12 Bn in 2023.

The market growth of the global per-encounter medical market is driven by a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% during the forecast period.

The increasing incidence of chronic diseases and the expanding elderly population are pivotal factors fueling the demand for routine medical check-ups and procedures, thus propelling the global per-encounter medical devices market. This market is segmented into product, application, distribution channel, and region, with consumables like disposable syringes, needles, and catheters dominating the product segment due to their extensive usage.

Global Per-Encounter Medical Market Trends:

Integration of electronics and connectivity: The integration of electronics components and connectivity technologies like Bluetooth and Near-field communication in single-use smart medical devices for data capture and communication is an emerging trend. Smart syringes with dosage tracking, safety needles with retraction sensors, and IV catheters with patency monitors allow medication delivery data to be transmitted to Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. Device manufacturers are incorporating electronics and wireless connectivity for patient monitoring and adherence tracking to add value.
Shift to self-administration devices: Due to the convenience and cost benefits of self-administered healthcare, demand is increasing for easy-to-use disposable devices that are designed for patient self-injection and testing. This includes devices like auto injectors, prefilled syringes, insulin pens, and wearable sensors for managing chronic conditions at home. Key device makers are developing self-administration focused products like intuitive injection systems and micro needles for transdermal drug delivery.
Materials and design innovations: Advanced materials like engineered composites, antimicrobial coatings, and silicone are being leveraged to improve the performance and safety of per-encounter devices such as ventilator circuits, wound care products, and surgical tools. Ergonomic designs, human-centric engineering, and patient comfort considerations are driving product innovations and adoption. Companies are investing in research and development (R&D) on new materials and designs to gain a competitive edge.
Sustainability: Medical device companies are adopting sustainable manufacturing practices by using recyclable and eco-friendly materials, by optimizing packaging, and developing take-back programs for responsible device disposal. Single-use devices that are designed with biodegradable polymers, minimal packaging, and reusability allow hospitals to meet their sustainability goals. Device makers are also offering carbon footprint data to customers and thus pursuing initiatives to lower environmental impact.

Global Per-Encounter Medical Market Trends:

Global Per-Encounter Medical Market Drivers:

Rising prevalence of chronic diseases: The rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders is increasing the demand for regular medical check-ups, diagnostic testing, and surgical procedures. This is driving the adoption of single-use per-encounter medical devices like syringes, needles, Intravenous catheters, and drainage bags used during these procedures. For instance, on September 2023, according to the data published by World Health Organization (WHO), the cardiovascular diseases account for most noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) deaths, or 17.9 million people annually, followed by cancers (9.3 million), chronic respiratory diseases (4.1 million), and diabetes (2.0 million including kidney disease deaths caused by diabetes).
Growth in geriatric population: The growing geriatric population across the globe is a key factor fueling the demand for per-encounter medical devices. Older people are more susceptible to acute and chronic diseases, thus leading to increased doctor visits and hospitalizations. This expands the patient pool undergoing diagnostics tests and treatments, thereby driving the adoption of per-encounter devices like prefilled syringes, test kits, and surgical blades. The rising elderly population is expected to boost market growth.
Technological advancements in medical devices: Continuous advancements in medical device technologies are leading to new product developments in the per-encounter devices market. Advanced materials like engineered plastics, silicone, and metal alloys allow improved designs for single-use devices. Technologies like 3D printing facilitate customized device fabrication. The integration of electronics leads to smart devices like auto-disable and retractable syringes. Such technological advances improve performance, safety and drive new product adoption among end users.
Favorable government regulations: Supportive regulations by governments and healthcare agencies regarding medical device standards and patient safety are conducive to the growth of single-use per-encounter devices. Mandates for safe injection practices, proper sharps disposal, and transition to high-quality devices boost market prospects.

Market- Trends:

Figure 1. Per-Encounter Medical Market Share (%), By Region, 2023