When an industry experiences growth, it may be difficult to determine the reason for it. Sometimes, however, the causes are relatively easy to find. That’s the case with the surgical instrument market, and there are several specific reasons for the growth.
Education about Health Issues Is on the Rise
Health literacy is very important. Being health literate means knowing enough about one’s own health, medications, and the nation’s healthcare system and how it operates to be able to make good health decisions. Today, many people are becoming more aware of health issues, including their own health. When they’re taking care of their health, they may have a need for surgical intervention of some sort.
This is especially important in terms of chronic diseases and other conditions. The extent to which patients are educated about their health conditions is considered one of the most important aspects of chronic disease management. Some chronic diseases require surgery at one time or another; this may be true even when they’re well managed, but compliance and preventive care may reduce the need for surgery in many cases.
Growing and Aging Global Population
The population is growing, and that increases the need for surgical intervention for a wide range of injuries, accidents, and conditions. The census is conducted every 10 years, and population makeup can change rapidly due to economic downturns or natural disasters. Healthcare organizations can use census information to track increases and decreases in population to help them figure out how to serve the community.
As people age, health problems can increase. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) finds that 80 percent of all persons 65 years or older have at least one chronic condition, and 50 percent have at least two (such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease. Over time, surgery may be required for one or more of their conditions, or for other health problems that may arise.
Minimally-Invasive Surgery
Surgery can be stressful for a variety of reasons, but minimally-invasive surgery is associated with less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications. There’s less damage to the body than with open surgery, and this type of surgery can be used for a variety of conditions.
This less-invasive option can be used in a wide variety of surgeries, including certain general, lung, gynecologic, head and neck, heart, urological, neurosurgery, and vascular procedures. Just as with traditional surgery, each type of minimally-invasive surgeries requires specialized surgical instruments, and that’s another factor in the growth of this industry.
Are You Looking for a New Assignment?
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. Are you a surgical tech seeking your next assignment? We’re ready to help, so give us a call at 310.436.3650.
