LONDON- Security concerns are mounting as wireless LAN technology becomes more pervasive in the European hospital environment, according to new research from Frost & Sullivan.
Frost & Sullivan expects the market for WLAN technologies in European hospitals to grow from $12.29 million in 2001 to $92.27 million by 2007. The analyst firm said the potential for greater productivity and mobility is the primary driver of growth.
“Here, the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations on patient confidentiality will help in a direct way as they set a benchmark that forces the suppliers of wireless technologies to prove that their technologies protect patient data,” explained analyst John Gilsenan. “This will have benefits in Europe, as the major suppliers to the market are the same in both regions. There is also the possibility that equivalent rules would be adopted in Europe.”
