New research from the Mountain View, Calif.-based company, Frost & Sullivan indicates that while there are growth opportunities in the healthcare industry for preventative health technologies, there are currently too many barriers to adoption for providers. The researchers say the lack of incentives and available internal funds, as well as patients being unaware of their effectiveness have combined to stunt investment in these technologies.

However, the researchers say these technologies, which are patient education systems and remote monitoring devices according to Frost & Sullivan, will eventually pay dividends. They say physicians must recognize that prevention is an important component of healthcare, because it reduces the need for diagnosis, treatment and therapy. However, that being said, the researchers don’t see a faster rate of adoption until reimbursements are in place from the government.

"With the availability of preventative services such as patient education systems, wellness programs, and remote monitoring devices, consumers can begin to establish better health through improved lifestyle habits," Frost & Sullivan Senior Industry Analyst Aarti Shetty said in a statement.  "An increased adoption of preventative technologies promoting healthier tendencies can help lower overall costs by decreasing the number of needed consumer healthcare services in the future."