Understanding ATT market
Assistive and Telecare Technologies
Assistive and telecare devices, systems and products are rapidly multiplying and diversifying. Understanding the market first requires knowledge of the products that are involved (see definitions).
Assistive Technology products partly overlap with medical devices, in that some are treatments or directly deliver health care, examples being dialysis machines, heart pace-makers and artificial hips. Assistive Technology and telecare products however include devices that promote communication, mobility, safety, personal security and the quality of life. Thus including some functions not previously having been seen as among the responsibilities of medicine or social care, for example improving audio and video social communication with others - from accessing care and treatment advice to wholly social interactions. In this, they also overlap with the rapidly burgeoning information and entertainment networks accessed by wireless, broadband and telephone networks, especially the worldwide web (see the Figure below).
ATT interleaves with both Medical Devices and the Internet
The Markets
The chart below shows four different types of ATT markets, although they are not rigidly separated. For example, both an individual orthopaedic surgeon and a hospital purchasing policy influence which hip replacement is purchased for a patient. Similarly, a nursing home company or an individual home manager could specify which ‘nurse aid' electronics are purchased.
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Market Type |
Characteristics |
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Prescription markets
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Product specified by a clinician or professional |
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Institutional purchase markets: public sector (formal market)
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Often regulated by approved list of products at national, regional or agency levels (e.g. PASA). |
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Institutional purchase markets: voluntary, charitable and private sectors |
Approved lists of products more often drawn up by 'trade associations' than individual companies, and generally more discretion on the part of facility managers.
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Private purchase (or retail) markets |
Sales governed by perceived usefulness and reliability, value for money, demonstration effects (seeing others using the product), advertising, and whether customers believe the product should be purchased with private funds. |