Patient Handling Equipment Market

Market Overview:

The global patient handling equipment market size reached USD 12.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 23.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.36% during 2025-2033. The increasing emphasis on reducing the risk of injury of healthcare workers, rising geriatric population, and rapid technological advancements in patient handling devices are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Patient handling equipment refers to specialized devices used in healthcare settings to safely move, transfer, or position patients. They are designed to assist healthcare workers in lifting and relocating patients with reduced mobility or those who require additional support. The equipment ranges from basic items like wheelchairs and stretchers to more advanced devices, such as mechanical lifts, transfer chairs, and slide sheets. These tools are essential in minimizing physical strain on healthcare staff and reducing the risk of injury to both workers and patients. By facilitating easier and safer patient movement, this equipment contributes to improved patient comfort, quicker recovery, and more efficient healthcare service. As a result, patient handling equipment is gaining immense traction across the globe as it plays crucial role in enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare delivery.

The aging population worldwide, which necessitates advanced care solutions to assist with mobility and handling in healthcare facilities, will stimulate the growth of the patient handling equipment market during the forecast period. Moreover, the rising prevalence of chronic conditions like obesity and arthritis has augmented the demand for specialized equipment to ensure safe patient transport and positioning. Apart from this, rapid technological advancements, including the integration of new features like better ergonomics, automation, and digital monitoring that attracts investments from healthcare institutions, are propelling market growth. Additionally, increasing government regulations and policies focusing on worker safety, urging facilities to adopt mechanical aids instead of manual lifting, thereby driving market growth. Furthermore, inflating healthcare expenditures and heightening awareness about the importance of quality care have accelerated the adoption of patient handling equipment, thus contributing to market growth.

Patient Handling Equipment Market Trends/Drivers:

Rapid demographic shifts across the globe

The aging global population is one of the most significant drivers for the patient handling equipment market. As people age, they are more likely to experience reduced mobility and develop health conditions that require specialized care. This trend elevates the demand for various types of patient handling equipment, from wheelchairs and stretchers to more sophisticated devices like mechanical lifts. In addition, the rise in the prevalence of chronic conditions, such as obesity, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases, contributes to this growing need. These conditions often lead to hospital admissions or extended stays at healthcare facilities, where safe and efficient patient handling becomes crucial. As a result, the demographic shifts toward an older and less mobile population create a compelling need for advanced patient handling equipment, favoring market growth.

Ongoing technological advancements by key players

Technological innovations are fostering the market growth as manufacturers are investing in research and development (R&D) to create devices with features like automation, digital monitoring, and enhanced ergonomics. These advancements make the equipment more efficient and reduce the risk of injuries to healthcare workers and patients. Novel features such as automated lifts, transfer chairs with built-in weight scales, and digital monitoring systems enhance both the efficiency and safety of patient care. These improvements are attracting substantial investments from healthcare institutions looking to optimize their operations. Enhanced ergonomics make it easier for healthcare workers to operate the equipment, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall patient well-being. Such innovations have led healthcare facilities to replace outdated equipment with modern, technologically advanced alternatives, further propelling market growth.

Increasing regulatory focus on healthcare worker safety

Government regulations and guidelines of various countries are focusing on healthcare worker safety, representing a critical market driver for patient handling equipment. Regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States are increasingly emphasizing the need for mechanical aids in patient lifting to prevent injuries to healthcare staff. Non-compliance can lead to significant fines, thereby pushing healthcare facilities to invest in specialized equipment. Furthermore, these regulations often set industry standards that encourage ongoing innovation and development in the sector. As a result, this heightened regulatory focus creates a favorable environment for market growth by mandating safer and more efficient practices in patient handling.

Patient Handling Equipment Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product, type of care, and end user.

Breakup by Product:

• Wheelchairs and Scooters
• Medical Beds
• Mechanical and Nonmechanical Equipment
• Ambulatory Aids
• Others
   

Medical beds represent the most popular product

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product. This includes wheelchairs and scooters, medical beds, mechanical and nonmechanical equipment, ambulatory aids, and others. According to the report, medical beds represented the largest segment.

Medical beds are specialized beds designed to provide optimal support and comfort to patients in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. They come with various features like adjustable heights, tilting mechanisms, and built-in side rails for enhanced safety and ease of patient handling. Some advanced models even include integrated scales, electrical controls, and pressure relief systems. Moreover, they serve as the foundation for many patient-care activities, from basic rest to complex medical procedures. The demand for more technologically advanced and multifunctional beds is growing due to an aging population, increased prevalence of chronic illnesses, and heightened awareness of patient safety. Innovations in medical bed design, such as automation and smart technology integration, are fueling market growth by meeting the evolving needs of both healthcare providers and patients.

Breakup by Type of Care:

• Bariatric Care
• Fall Prevention
• Critical Care
• Wound Care
• Others
   

Fall prevention accounts for the majority of the market share

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type of care has also been provided in the report. This includes bariatric care, fall prevention, critical care, wound care, and others. According to the report, fall prevention accounted for the largest market share.

Fall prevention refers to a set of strategies and tools aimed at reducing the risk of accidental falls, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with mobility issues. In healthcare settings, fall prevention is crucial for minimizing injuries, improving patient safety, and reducing healthcare costs. This concern significantly influences the patient handling equipment market. Specialized equipment such as non-slip mats, low-height beds with safety rails, and wearable alert systems are increasingly being integrated into healthcare facilities to prevent falls. Mechanical lifts and transfer aids also play a role in safely moving patients, reducing the risk of falls during the transfer process. As the global population ages and the prevalence of conditions affecting mobility rises, the demand for fall prevention solutions is growing. This, in turn, fuels innovation in patient handling equipment, as healthcare providers seek effective ways to improve patient safety and comply with regulations focused on fall prevention, thus augmenting market growth.

Breakup by End User:

• Hospitals
• Home Care Settings
• Elderly Care Facilities
• Others
   

Hospitals represents the leading end user segment

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user has also been provided in the report. This includes hospitals, home care settings, elderly care facilities, and others. According to the report, hospitals accounted for the largest market share.

Hospitals are healthcare institutions where patients receive medical treatment and care for various health conditions. They play a pivotal role in driving the patient handling equipment market. Hospitals have a constant need for specialized equipment designed to safely and efficiently move and care for patients. Patient handling equipment, such as hospital beds, stretchers, and lifting devices, is essential for facilitating various medical procedures, ensuring patient comfort, and reducing the risk of injuries to healthcare staff during patient transfers. As hospitals strive to enhance the quality of patient care and comply with regulations aimed at worker safety, they continually invest in modern patient handling solutions.

Furthermore, the expanding healthcare sector, coupled with the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population, is intensifying the demand for patient handling equipment. Hospitals' pursuit of improved patient outcomes and staff well-being fosters ongoing innovation and growth in the patient handling equipment market.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Europe leads the market, accounting for the majority of the patient handling equipment market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia and Others), Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia and Others) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico and Others), Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe was the largest market.

Europe held the biggest share in the market since the region has an aging population, with a growing number of elderly individuals requiring healthcare services. This creates a substantial demand for patient handling equipment in Europe to ensure safe and efficient care. Additionally, the region places a strong emphasis on healthcare worker safety, with stringent regulations encouraging the adoption of mechanical aids over manual patient handling. These regulations create a favorable environment for the market by compelling healthcare facilities to invest in specialized equipment to reduce the risk of injuries to staff.

Furthermore, Europe's advanced healthcare infrastructure and heightened willingness to adopt technological innovations contribute to the growth of patient handling equipment. The integration of smart technologies and ergonomic design principles in equipment manufacturing is making healthcare operations more efficient and patient friendly. As a result, Europe's commitment to high-quality healthcare and safety standards, coupled with its demographic challenges, continues to drive the patient handling equipment market's growth in the region.

Competitive Landscape:

The market is experiencing steady growth as key players are actively innovating to meet the evolving demands of healthcare providers. Some of these innovations include automated lifting systems equipped with advanced sensors for safer patient transfers, reducing manual intervention and the risk of injuries to healthcare workers. Multi-functional hospital beds have been developed, offering features like built-in scales, adjustable heights, and tilting mechanisms for improved patient care and ease of medical procedures. Some companies have also integrated smart technology, such as IoT-enabled monitoring, to facilitate predictive maintenance and real-time data collection for better decision-making. User-friendly interfaces with touchscreen controls are also becoming more common, allowing healthcare staff to operate equipment more easily. Overall, these innovations aim to enhance efficiency, safety, and patient comfort, while reducing the physical burden on healthcare personnel.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• EZ Way Inc.
• Getinge AB
• Guldmann Inc.
• Hill-Rom Holdings Inc.
• Invacare Corporation
• Joerns Healthcare LLC
• LINET Group SE
• Medline Industries Inc.
• Paramount Bed Co. Ltd.
• Prism UK Medical Ltd
• Stiegelmeyer GmbH & Co. KG
• Stryker Corporation
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Recent Developments:

• In May 2021, Hill-Rom Holdings Inc. participated in a fire-side chat during the UBS Global Healthcare Virtual Conference. This participation underscores the company's strong commitment to its healthcare business and its ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the healthcare industry. During this fire-side chat, Hill-Rom likely engaged in insightful discussions regarding various aspects of its healthcare business, including product innovations, market trends, and its response to the evolving healthcare landscape.

• In May 2022, Invacare Corporation launched Birdie Evo XPLUS, an innovative patient lift solution for post-acute care settings. This new product has a sleek and modern design and incorporates cutting-edge technology that addresses crucial aspects of patient care and comfort. The Birdie Evo XPLUS is designed to facilitate the safe and efficient transfer of patients to and from various surfaces, such as beds, chairs, or the floor. Its incorporation of innovative technology improves ease of use and maximizes patient comfort and security during these transitions.
• In March 2022, Stryker Corporation introduced the Multi-Position MATS Mobile Air Transfer System, a significant advancement in patient safety and healthcare worker protection during medical procedures. This innovative system is designed to prevent patients from sliding during tilt procedures, ensuring their stability and minimizing potential discomfort or complications. It also serves a crucial role in safeguarding nurses and healthcare staff during pre- and post-surgical lateral transfers, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing overall workplace safety.

Patient Handling Equipment Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the patient handling equipment market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global patient handling equipment market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the patient handling equipment industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.