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시장보고서
상품코드
2108985
환자 측방 이동 : 시장 인사이트, 경쟁 구도 및 시장 예측(2034년)Patient Lateral Transfer - Market Insights, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast - 2034 |
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DelveInsight
환자 측면 이동이란 침대, 들것, 수술대, 영상 진단대 등 두 면 사이에서 환자를 수평 방향으로 이동시키는 데 사용되는 기기나 시스템을 말하며, 안전성을 확보하고 간병인의 신체적 부담을 줄이는 것을 목적으로 합니다. 그 범위에는 팽창식 매트리스 아래에 있는 공기 쿠션을 통해 마찰과 환자 이동에 필요한 힘을 줄여주는 공기 보조식 이송 장치, 단거리 이송 시 마찰을 줄여주는 슬라이드 시트 및 튜브, 표면 사이의 틈을 메우는 강성 및 롤러식 이송 보드, 그리고 기계식 및 부속 보조 기구가 포함됩니다. 대표적인 제품으로는 HoverTech사의 'HoverMatt' 에어 이송 시스템, Stryker사의 'Stryker Glide', 현재 Arjo사의 한 부서가 된 'AirPal' 시스템, Baxter사에서 Hillrom사를 통해 제공되는 슬라이드 시트 및 이송 보드 외에도, Etac사, Medline사, 그리고 안전한 환자 이송을 전문으로 하는 각사의 제품이 있습니다. 공기 보조 시스템은 환자를 이동시킬 때 필요한 힘을 대폭 줄여주어, 더 적은 간병 인력으로 환자를 안전하게 이송할 수 있게 해줍니다. 또한, 현재 시장은 간병 인력과 환자를 보호해야 할 필요성에 힘입어, 수동 이송에서 공기 보조 및 기계식 이송으로의 전환이 두드러지는 특징을 보이고 있습니다.
환자 측면 이동 시장의 주요 시장 성장 촉진요인
환자 측면 이동 시장의 성장에 기여하는 요인
시장 성장 촉진요인
안전한 환자 이송에 대한 규제 및 의료기관의 중시
환자 측면 이동 시장의 근본적인 촉진요인은 안전한 환자 이동에 대한 규제 당국 및 의료기관의 집중이며, 이에 따라 측면 이동을 위한 기계식 및 공압식 장비의 사용이 점점 더 요구되고 있습니다. 수작업에 의한 환자 이동은 간병인에게 근골격계 손상을 유발하고, 환자에게는 낙상, 피부 열상 및 부상 위험을 초래합니다. 따라서 수술 전후 간호사 협회(Association of periOperative Registered Nurses), 직업안전보건청(Occupational Safety and Health Administration), 국립직업안전보건연구소(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) 등의 기관은 보조 기구 사용을 강조하는 지침과 기준을 마련하고 있습니다. 주술기 등록 간호사 협회(AORN)는 자력으로 이동이 불가능한 환자의 횡이동에 기계식 기기의 사용을 권장하고 있으며, 그 인체공학에 기반한 지침에서는 환자의 체중이 소정의 임계치를 초과하는 경우 기계식 또는 공압식 기기를 사용해야 한다고 명시하고 있습니다. 이에 따라 보조 기술은 단순한 선택 사항이 아니라 사실상 표준적인 치료 방법으로 자리 잡았습니다. 직업안전보건청(OSHA)은 부상 위험이 높은 산업으로 인식되는 의료 분야에서 ‘일반 의무 조항’에 따라 근로자의 안전을 보장하고 있으며, 각 주의 안전한 환자 이동 관련 법률에서는 프로그램 및 장비 도입을 의무화하고 있습니다. 또한, 국립직업안전보건연구소(NIOSH)는 안전한 환자 이동 프로그램에서 가능한 한 수작업으로 환자를 들어 올리는 것을 배제해야 한다고 규정하고 있습니다. 지침, 기준 및 법률에서 기계식 및 공압식 이송 장치의 사용이 점점 더 요구됨에 따라, 병원들은 규정을 준수하고 간병인과 환자를 보호하기 위해 이러한 장치를 도입하고 있습니다. 안전한 환자 이송에 대한 규제 당국 및 의료 기관의 집중적인 관심이 예측 기간 동안 환자 횡방향 이송 장치에 대한 수요를 뒷받침하며 시장 성장을 주도하고 있습니다.
간병인의 근골격계 손상 발생률 증가
간병인의 근골격계 손상 발생률 상승은 강력한 촉진요인으로 작용하고 있습니다. 이러한 손상은 인적·금전적으로 막대한 비용을 수반하며, 이송 장치는 바로 이를 방지하기 위해 설계되었기 때문입니다. 의료 종사자들은 환자를 손으로 직접 들어 올리거나 이동시키거나 체위를 변경하는 과정에서 빈번하게 근골격계 손상을 입으며, 의료 분야의 부상 및 질병 발생률은 민간 기업 전체에 비해 2배에 달할 전망입니다. 등과 어깨에 집중되는 이러한 손상은 통증, 기능 장애, 결근, 이직을 유발할 뿐만 아니라, 의료시설에 막대한 직접적·간접적 산재 보상 비용을 발생시키고 있습니다. 가로 방향의 이송은 여러 명의 간병인이 환자를 서로 다른 면 사이로 이동시켜야 하며, 척추에 가해지는 부하와 손에 가해지는 힘이 크기 때문에 특히 위험한 작업입니다. 연구에 따르면, 공기 보조식 장치는 가로 방향 이송에 필요한 손에 가해지는 힘, 척추에 가해지는 부하 및 근육 활동을 대폭 감소시키는 것으로 나타났습니다. 환자를 이동시키는 데 필요한 힘을 줄이고, 더 적은 수의 간병인으로 안전하게 이동을 수행할 수 있도록 함으로써, 공기 보조식 및 기계식 이동 장치는 간병인의 부상 발생률과 비용을 줄이고, 직원의 안전성, 만족도, 재직률을 향상시킵니다. 의료 기관은 간병인의 부상으로 인한 인적·재정적 비용에 직면하고 이를 줄이기 위해 부상을 예방하는 이동 장치를 도입하고 있습니다. 간병인의 근골격계 손상 발생률과 비용 증가는 예측 기간 동안 환자 측면 이동 장치에 대한 수요를 지속적으로 뒷받침할 것입니다.
시장 성장 억제요인
환자 측면 이동 시장은 성장을 둔화시키는 몇 가지 상호 연관된 제약 요인에 직면해 있습니다. 가장 큰 요인은 예산 제약과 장비 및 프로그램 비용입니다. 공기 보조 시스템, 공기 공급 장치 및 종합적인 환자 안전 이송 프로그램에는 장비, 환자 1인당 1회용 소모품 및 교육에 대한 투자가 필요하기 때문에 예산이 제한된 시설에서는 부상 비용의 장기적인 감축이 예상에도 불구하고 도입을 지연하거나 제한할 가능성이 있습니다. 일부 관할 구역에서는 환자 안전 취급에 관한 단일한 의무적 기준이 존재하지 않기 때문에 도입은 통일된 요건이 아닌 지침, 주법 및 시설 측의 노력에 의존하게 됩니다. 또한, 시행 상황에 일관성이 없는 점도 도입 지연으로 이어지고 있습니다.
이송 장비의 이점은 일관되고 올바른 사용에 달려 있으므로, 교육, 변경 관리 및 규정 준수는 매우 중요하면서도 동시에 과제를 수반합니다. 불충분한 교육, 인력 부족, 시간적 압박으로 인해 간병인이 수동 이송 방식으로 되돌아갈 가능성이 있으며, 그 결과 장비의 가치가 훼손될 우려가 있습니다. 공기 공급 장치, 보관, 재사용 가능 기기의 세척 및 유지보수 요건은 운영상의 부담을 가중시키며, 환자 1인당 일회용 소모품의 지속적인 비용은 경상 지출이 됩니다. 초기 특허가 만료된 후 시장은 과밀화되고 경쟁이 격화되어, 이는 가격에 대한 압박을 야기하고 제품이 상품화될 가능성이 있습니다. 상환액의 편차와 투자 수익이 직접적인 수익이 아니라 부상 및 이직률 감소를 통해 실현되는 간접적이고 장기적인 성격이기 때문에 일부 시설의 경우 경제적 이점을 즉시 체감하기 어려울 수 있습니다. 자원이 제한된 환경에서는 장비 비용이나 수작업에 대한 의존도가 도입을 제약하고 있습니다. 이러한 요인들이 복합적으로 작용하여 도입 속도와 범위는 완만해지고 있으며, 공급업체는 성장을 유지하기 위해 안전성, 유효성, 사용 편의성, 그리고 명확한 투자 수익률을 입증해야 합니다.
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Summary
Patient lateral transfer refers to the devices and systems used to move a patient horizontally between two surfaces, such as a bed, stretcher, operating room table, or imaging surface, safely and with reduced physical strain on caregivers. The scope encompasses air-assisted transfer devices, in which a cushion of air beneath an inflatable mattress reduces the friction and the force required to move the patient, slide sheets and tubes that reduce friction for short transfers, rigid and roller transfer boards that bridge the gap between surfaces, and mechanical and accessory aids. Leading products include the HoverMatt air transfer system from HoverTech, the Stryker Glide, the AirPal system now part of Arjo, and the slide sheets and transfer boards of Baxter through Hillrom, together with the offerings of Etac, Medline, and specialist safe patient handling companies. Air-assisted systems reduce the force required to move a patient substantially, enabling fewer caregivers to transfer patients safely, and the contemporary market is defined by the shift from manual handling to air-assisted and mechanical transfer, driven by the imperative to protect caregivers and patients.
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Key Growth Drivers
Key Companies in Patient Lateral Transfer Market
The leading participants in the patient lateral transfer market include the following:
Factors Contributing to the Growth of the Patient Lateral Transfer Market
Market Drivers
Regulatory and Institutional Focus on Safe Patient Handling
The foundational driver of the patient lateral transfer market is the regulatory and institutional focus on safe patient handling, which increasingly requires the use of mechanical and air-assisted devices for lateral transfer. Manual patient handling causes musculoskeletal injury to caregivers and puts patients at risk of falls, skin tears, and injury, and organizations including the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have established guidelines and standards that emphasize the use of assistive devices. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses recommends mechanical devices for the lateral transfer of a patient who cannot assist, and its ergonomic guidance indicates that mechanical or air-assisted devices should be used when a patient weighs above a defined threshold, effectively making assistive technology a standard of care rather than an optional extra. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforces worker safety under the General Duty Clause in healthcare, which is recognized as a high injury risk industry, and state safe patient handling laws require programs and equipment. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has determined that safe patient handling programs should seek to eliminate manual lifting wherever possible. As guidelines, standards, and laws increasingly require the use of mechanical and air-assisted transfer devices, hospitals adopt these devices to comply and to protect caregivers and patients. The regulatory and institutional focus on safe patient handling sustains demand for patient lateral transfer devices across the forecast period and anchors the growth of the market.
Rising Incidence of Caregiver Musculoskeletal Injury
The rising incidence of musculoskeletal injury among caregivers is a powerful driver, since these injuries impose a large human and financial cost that transfer devices are designed to prevent. Healthcare workers experience high rates of musculoskeletal injury from the manual lifting, transferring, and repositioning of patients, and injury and illness rates in healthcare are double the rate of private industry as a whole. These injuries, concentrated in the back and shoulders, cause pain, disability, lost work, and turnover, and they generate substantial direct and indirect workers' compensation costs for healthcare facilities. Lateral transfer is a particularly hazardous task, since it requires multiple caregivers to move a patient between surfaces and imposes high spinal loading and hand force, and studies show that air-assisted devices substantially reduce the hand force, spinal loading, and muscle activity required for lateral transfer. By reducing the force required to move a patient and enabling fewer caregivers to perform transfers safely, air-assisted and mechanical devices reduce the incidence and cost of caregiver injury, improving staff safety, satisfaction, and retention. As healthcare facilities confront the human and financial cost of caregiver injury and seek to reduce it, they adopt the transfer devices that prevent injury. The rising incidence and cost of caregiver musculoskeletal injury sustain demand for patient lateral transfer devices across the forecast period.
Market Restraints
The patient lateral transfer market faces several interrelated restraints that temper its growth. The foremost is budget constraints and the cost of devices and programs, since air-assisted systems, air supply units, and comprehensive safe patient handling programs require investment in equipment, single-patient-use consumables, and training, and facilities with constrained budgets may delay or limit adoption despite the long-term savings in injury cost. The absence in some jurisdictions of a single mandatory safe patient handling standard means that adoption depends on guidelines, state laws, and institutional commitment rather than a uniform requirement, and inconsistent enforcement slows adoption.
Training, change management, and adherence are critical and challenging, since the benefit of transfer devices depends on their consistent and correct use, and inadequate training, understaffing, and time pressure can lead caregivers to revert to manual handling, undermining the value of the devices. The requirement for air supply units, storage, cleaning, and maintenance of reusable devices adds operational burden, and the ongoing cost of single-patient-use consumables adds recurring expense. The crowded and competitive market, following the expiration of the original patents, exerts price pressure and can commoditize products. The variability of reimbursement and the indirect and long-term nature of the return on investment, realized through reduced injury and turnover rather than direct revenue, can make the financial case less immediate for some facilities. In lower-resource settings, the cost of devices and the reliance on manual handling constrain adoption. Together, these factors moderate the pace and scope of adoption and require vendors to demonstrate safety, efficacy, ease of use, and clear return on investment to sustain growth.
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Segment Analysis
The global patient lateral transfer market is segmented by product (air-assisted transfer devices, slide sheets and tubes, transfer boards, mechanical and accessory aids), by usability (single patient use and reusable), by application (operating room and imaging, inpatient and emergency care, long-term care, and others), by end-users (hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, long term care facilities, and others), and by geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World).
By Product
Dominant Subsegment: Air-Assisted Transfer Devices.
The air-assisted transfer devices category is expected to dominate the market. The air-assisted transfer devices segment accounted for a 42% share of the patient lateral transfer market in 2025. Air-assisted transfer devices, which use a cushion of air beneath an inflatable mattress to reduce the friction and the force required to move a patient, are the leading product category because they provide the greatest reduction in force and injury risk and are recommended by safe patient handling guidelines. The dominance of the segment reflects the efficacy of air-assisted systems in reducing the force required to move a patient by 80 to 90 percent, their recommendation for lateral transfer of dependent and higher-weight patients, and their multifunctional use across transfer, repositioning, boosting, and turning. Air-assisted systems, including the HoverMatt, the Stryker Glide, the AirPal system, and other air transfer mattresses, enable caregivers to transfer patients safely with fewer staff and less strain, reduce skin shear and injury, and are used across the operating room, imaging, and inpatient departments. The availability of reusable and single-patient-use air transfer mattresses, the recommendation of air-assisted devices by guidelines, and their efficacy and versatility drive the segment. While slide sheets and tubes, transfer boards, and mechanical and accessory aids are important product categories, the efficacy, versatility, and guideline support of air-assisted devices sustain the leadership of the air-assisted transfer devices segment across the forecast period.
By Usability
Dominant Subsegment: Single-Patient-Use.
The single-patient-use category is expected to dominate the market. The single-patient-use segment accounted for a 54% share of the patient lateral transfer market in 2025. Single-patient-use transfer devices, which are dedicated to one patient and discarded after use, are the leading usability category because they reduce the risk of cross-contamination and hospital-acquired infection, follow the patient through the episode of care, and generate recurring consumption. The dominance of the segment reflects the infection control benefit of single-patient-use devices, the convenience of a device dedicated to and following the patient, and the recurring revenue and consumption they generate. Single-patient-use air transfer mattresses and slide sheets eliminate the need to clean and reprocess devices between patients, reduce the risk of transmitting infection, and can follow the patient from admission through the departments of the facility; they are widely adopted in infection-conscious environments. The infection control imperative, the convenience of a dedicated device, and the recurring consumption drive the single-patient-use segment, and the model aligns with the priorities of modern infection prevention. While reusable devices remain important for their lower per-use cost and sustainability, the infection control benefit, convenience, and recurring consumption of single-patient-use devices sustain the leadership of the single-patient-use segment across the forecast period.
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Region Analysis
Dominant Region: North America
North America accounted for a 40% share of the global patient lateral transfer market in 2025, representing the highest regional market share globally. The leadership of the region reflects the rigor of safe patient handling guidelines and laws, the high awareness of caregiver injury, the concentration of the leading vendors, and the advanced adoption of air-assisted and mechanical transfer. The United States is the largest national market, supported by the guidelines of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, state safe patient handling laws, the high awareness and cost of caregiver musculoskeletal injury, and the advanced adoption of air-assisted transfer and safe patient handling programs. The regulatory and institutional focus on safe patient handling, the high cost of workers' compensation for caregiver injury, and the prevalence of obesity drive the adoption of transfer devices, and the leading vendors, including the medical technology and safe patient handling companies, operate extensively in the region. The rigor of guidelines and laws, the awareness of injury and cost, the concentration of vendors, and the advanced adoption of air-assisted transfer reinforce the leadership of the region. The combination of regulatory rigor, injury awareness, vendor presence, and adoption maturity sustains the position of North America as the largest regional market across the forecast period.
Fastest Growing Region: Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is projected to register the fastest compound annual growth rate through 2034. The region is expanding and modernizing its healthcare infrastructure, increasing awareness of safe patient handling, and adopting air-assisted and mechanical transfer, which drives the growth of the market. China, Japan, and India are the principal national markets, supported by the construction and modernization of hospitals, the aging of the population, the rising prevalence of obesity, the growth of surgical and imaging volumes, and the increasing awareness of caregiver safety and safe patient handling. The modernization of hospitals, the growth of surgery and imaging, and the increasing adoption of safe patient handling practices and devices enlarge the demand for transfer devices. As hospitals build and modernize, as surgical and imaging volumes grow, and as awareness of caregiver safety increases, the region increases its adoption of transfer devices from a growing base, and the scale of healthcare expansion and the aging of large populations create substantial long-term demand. The combination of hospital modernization, growing surgical and imaging volumes, aging populations, and rising awareness of safe patient handling positions Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing regional market, and it attracts investment and commercial focus from the leading global vendors seeking presence in high-growth national markets.
Regional Commentary
North America
North America leads the market, supported by the rigor of safe patient handling guidelines and laws, the high awareness and cost of caregiver injury, the concentration of the leading vendors, and the advanced adoption of air-assisted and mechanical transfer. The United States dominates the region through the guidelines of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, state safe patient handling laws, and the advanced adoption of air-assisted transfer and safe patient handling programs. The imperative to reduce caregiver injury and cost sustains demand.
Europe
Europe is a substantial market shaped by strong occupational health and safe patient handling regulation, the adoption of air-assisted and mechanical transfer, and the presence of vendors including Arjo, Etac, Handicare, and Prism Medical. Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain are the principal national markets, supported by manual handling regulations, the adoption of safe patient handling practices, and the aging of the population. Demand is sustained by occupational safety requirements and the focus on caregiver and patient safety.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by the construction and modernization of hospitals, the aging of the population, the growth of surgical and imaging volumes, and the rising awareness of safe patient handling across China, Japan, and India. Healthcare expansion, aging populations, and the increasing adoption of transfer devices sustain demand, and the region attracts commercial focus from the leading global vendors.
Rest of World
The Rest of World, spanning Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, represents an emerging opportunity as healthcare infrastructure expands and as awareness of safe patient handling grows. Growth is supported by the modernization of hospitals, the growth of surgical and imaging volumes, and the increasing adoption of transfer devices, though adoption varies by market and manual handling remains prevalent in lower-resource settings. Vendors pursue these markets through devices suited to modernizing hospitals.
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Competitive Landscape
The global patient lateral transfer market is classified as Moderately Consolidated. A group of medical technology and safe patient handling companies holds a substantial share of the market through comprehensive portfolios and installed bases, while specialist air transfer and patient handling vendors compete on differentiated products, and the expiration of the original air transfer patents has broadened the field. Competition centers on the efficacy and safety of transfer, the breadth of the product portfolio across air-assisted, slide, board, and mechanical devices, the infection control of single-patient-use devices, the integration with safe patient handling programs, and price; acquisitions, product launches, and the crowded competitive field intensify the contest. The competitive landscape is evaluated across the following dimensions:
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Recent Developmental Activities
In 2021, Baxter International Inc. completed its acquisition of Hillrom, whose portfolio includes patient handling, repositioning, and transfer products alongside beds and connected care. Strategic significance: the acquisition brought a leading patient handling and mobility portfolio into a major medical technology company and reinforced the integration of transfer and mobility with the care environment.
In 2024 and 2025, Arjo AB advanced its patient handling and safe patient handling portfolio, including the air-assisted transfer technology of the AirPal system that it acquired, and its mechanical lifts and slings. Strategic significance: the developments reinforced the position of a leading safe patient handling company across air-assisted and mechanical transfer.
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Segmentation
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Assessment by Product
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Assessment by Usability
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Assessment by Application
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Assessment by End-User
Patient Lateral Transfer Market Assessment by Geography
Key Takeaways from the Patient Lateral Transfer Market Report Study
Target audience who can benefit from this patient lateral transfer market report study
Q1. At what rate is the patient lateral transfer market expected to grow?
The global patient lateral transfer market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2034, supported by the regulatory and institutional focus on safe patient handling, the rising incidence of caregiver musculoskeletal injury, the growing prevalence of obesity and the aging population, and the shift from manual handling to air-assisted and mechanical transfer.
Q2. What is the current and projected size of the patient lateral transfer market?
The global patient lateral transfer market was valued at USD 0.42 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 0.86 billion by 2034.
Q3. Which region dominates the patient lateral transfer market?
North America dominated the patient lateral transfer market with a 40% share in 2025, driven by the rigor of safe patient handling guidelines and laws, the high awareness and cost of caregiver injury, the concentration of the leading vendors, and the advanced adoption of air-assisted and mechanical transfer, with the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health establishing guidelines. Asia-Pacific is projected to record the fastest compound annual growth rate through 2034, driven by the modernization of hospitals and the aging of the population across China, Japan, and India.
Q4. What are the key factors driving growth in the patient lateral transfer market?
The principal drivers are the regulatory and institutional focus on safe patient handling, with the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses recommending mechanical and air-assisted devices for lateral transfer; the rising incidence and cost of caregiver musculoskeletal injury; the growing prevalence of obesity and the aging population; the shift from manual handling to air-assisted and mechanical transfer; nursing and caregiver workforce shortages; and the adoption of safe patient handling and mobility programs.
Q5. Who are the major players in the patient lateral transfer market?
The market is moderately consolidated and led by Stryker Corporation, Baxter International Inc., Arjo AB, Etac AB, and HoverTech International, alongside Medline Industries, LP, Handicare Group AB, Sizewise Rentals, LLC, Prism Medical UK Ltd, and McAuley Medical, Inc. Additional participants including SPH Medical, Getinge AB, and Vendlet compete across air-assisted transfer, slide, and mechanical patient handling.
For illustrative purposes, only the top 10 companies are listed in the Table of Contents. The report may include analysis and references to additional companies where relevant to the market assessment.