Four key trends and innovations catalysing infusion therapy as we enter 2025

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infusion therapy

IV treatment is one of the most traditionalist and wide-spread treatments provided to the 90% of hospitalised patients, yet, recent supply challenges like the Baxter IV fluids crisis have shown that the infusion market needs more flexible players to leverage innovative technologies and delivery systems under a pressured timeline. Small to medium-sized companies can drive the innovation needed to address these pressures since they can be more responsive to immediate market changes.

Additionally, with the growing demand for chronic disease treatments and the ageing baby boomer population, the infusion market is set for significant growth. According to the market research conducted by iData Research, the US infusion therapy market size was valued at over $3.2 billion in 2022 and its CAGR is expected to be 2.5% over the forecasting period (2023–2029). This expansion will likely bring forth new technologies and competitors, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

As the demand for infusion therapy space grows also within the alternative care settings, such as specialty clinics, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and the home-care setting, this will drive market improvements and widespread innovation in the sector, with a number of key trends shaping the IV industry and technology in 2025.

1. Connectivity and interconnectivity in different care settings

As healthcare systems become more digitally enabled, infusion therapy being one of the fundamental elements of modern healthcare, continues to evolve. Not surprising that medical devices such as infusion pumps, infusion monitors, or drip counters today are not only perceived as a tool for a routine service delivery. With the appearance of connectivity, the value of medical devices has been redefined, now incorporating the critical ability to provide clinicians with patient-level data and real-time information on treatment status. Being able to quantify, contextualise, and communicate these interactions allows the medtech industry to provide solutions that deliver value to all healthcare stakeholders.

The potential benefits of connectivity in infusion therapy are immense.

Establishing two-way connectivity between devices and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) opens new opportunities for implementing essential quality and patient safety measures. For example, IV drug prescriptions can be automatically scanned and verified against the drugs and dosages being delivered, significantly reducing the risk of drug-delivery errors. Furthermore, when every medication dose is scanned alongside the patient and the pump, and subsequently integrated into the EMR, hospitals will experience better management of their inventory of medical devices and supplies, enhancing pharmacy efficiency.

Additionally, connectivity-enabled central dashboards in infusion therapy, such as OSAA Innovation’s iV-VIEW dashboard, use the data transferred from every connected device and can identify the status of every treatment, better manage patient flows, freeing up beds and ultimately optimizing staff scheduling.

When it comes to advanced connectivity on the high healthcare level, it can lead to substantial savings for the healthcare industry by improving productivity and outcomes, ultimately freeing up funds for reinvestment. Indeed, according to The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) and the McKinsey Center for Advanced Connectivity (MCAC), these improvements could contribute between $250 billion and $420 billion to global GDP by 2030, with approximately 80% achievable using existing advanced connectivity technologies.

2. Early mobilisation of patients

Early mobilisation is a crucial component of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) that reduces the risk of postoperative complications, accelerates the recovery of functional walking capacity, and reduces hospital length of stay, thereby reducing care costs.

A significant number of studies supports the concept of early mobilisation in the different healthcare scenarios. From the postoperative period after the acute high-risk abdominal surgery to the variety of orthopaedic surgeries – early intensive mobilisation protocol seems feasible for most of patients. Specifically, in hip and lower extremity postoperative scenarios at least 11 effects of early mobilisation were identified.

The establishment of the ERAS protocols catalyses the changes in the IV treatment settings and highlights the need for a greater number of mobile versatile and mobile IV options, where patients can be liberated from the constraints of hospital beds and IV poles, allowing for treatment “on the go”— whether in hospitals, at home, or even outdoors.

3. Treatment at alternative care settings

The primary trend driving growth in the infusion therapy market is the transition of procedures to alternative care settings, including specialty clinics, and home care environments.

A study by researchers at Mass General Brigham analysed clinical outcomes for almost 5,900 patients across the US receiving acute care at home. It found that patients who were treated in the programme saw lower mortality rates, fewer returns to the hospital and less time spent in skilled nursing facilities.

Additionally, home care, including the at-home infusions, reduces the risk of cross-contamination, allowing patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes instead of the hospital setting.

IV therapy provided in the convenience of the patient’s home is the new positive reality that requires healthcare professionals to be equipped with the right tools to have remote access to the treatment status and act immediately in case of any disruptions.

4. Remote treatment monitoring

Infusion therapy provided in an alternative care setting automatically calls for newly sophisticated, affordable, and patient-centred IV solutions, which will deliver information about the treatment status and patient vitals to care providers anywhere in real time. This will allow healthcare professionals to make better decisions and deliver treatment faster, even from rural areas.

Such advancements can significantly lower hospital readmission rates and enhance patient satisfaction by allowing treatment in preferred settings, rather than traditional hospital bedside environments.

Remote treatment monitoring as part of the infusion therapy at the alternative care setting has shown promise in aiding safe and efficient remote care while addressing and preventing such challenges as post-hospital syndrome or hospital-acquired infections, as well as post-hospitalisation falls. Fall detection in remote treatment monitoring further enhances patient safety during acute care episodes and aids in developing strategies to prevent falls after home hospitalisation.

When it comes to device-usability, while addressing the remote treatment monitoring key product features should prioritise intuitive design, ease of use, and reliability. This approach can help overcome the usability challenges and ensure better health outcomes for patients using remote treatment monitoring systems inclusive of the needs of the infusion therapy.

Through these transformative infusion therapy trends, we can empower patients globally to seize control of their health journeys, addressing existing barriers. I also hope that we will be able to provide nurses and clinicians with the tools and solutions that can significantly improve their workflow when it comes to delivering IV treatment. Together, we architect the future of infusion therapy and healthcare.

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Ahmed Hessam
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Ahmed Hessam