Strong Demand for Hospital/Healthcare Products is Constant

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently reported that life expectancy rose for the first time since 2018—reaching 78.7 years—an increase of 0.1 years. This statistic, coupled with advancements in medical research and technology, means that hospital and healthcare products will continue to be a vital component of the promotional products industry as the demand for these products will remain constant. Employers are establishing health and wellness programs in an effort to promote healthy living for employees. Doctor’s offices, physical therapy facilities, and assisted living facilities are also promoting wellness-themed items. There are numerous products available in this product sector to support demand, including uniforms, scrubs, totes, first aid kits, pill trays/splitters, and hydration/drinkware.

Telehealth technology is trending in the hospital/healthcare market, according to Carrie Lewis of BIC Graphic. She points out that 70 percent of patients would rather use video as opposed to a visit to the doctor—and as such—tech accessories like power banks, USB drives, and tablet/laptop accessories are popular items to support this trend. 

Lewis continues that this resurgence in workforce and patient demographics has resulted in staffing shortages. Companies that wish to remain competitive have started to offer onboarding incentives as well as welcome packages, she explains, which include promotional items bearing the company logo. “High-quality drinkware, bags, wellness items, and branded apparel show new employees they’ve joined a company that values them and sets the company apart from competitors,” she comments.

“Home healthcare is another area where there is potential for growth,” Lewis continues. “Elderly patients may be released from facilities but still require home health aide service.” Since word-of-mouth is a common way to obtain hospital and healthcare services, high-impression promotional items are an effective way to spread awareness. “A magnet with contact information or a plush blanket that can be used by the patient are great promos that will last a long time,” she adds.

Aprons Etc.’s Pam Pennington reports that this market represents a branding opportunity that is “desired, functional, and good ROI” in one of the world’s largest and fast-growing industries. Lewis of BIC Graphic adds that since there is so much interest in overall wellness currently, healthcare providers such as physical therapy facilities and insurance companies are interested in capitalizing on this trend and utilizing overall wellness-themed items such as stress balls or massage ball sets.

Suppliers have a plethora of new and best-selling products for distributors to present to clients. Aprons Etc.’s best seller has always been its walker tote, according to Pennington. “The tote is the ‘perfect’ promotional item because it's useful, provides excellent targeted branding. and is often kept longer than our industries current average of seven months,” she explains. “The healthcare market is always seeking display products—either for directly signage, promotions of programs or sign ups. Table covers, retractable banner stands, and tents are popular with this client group.”

Drinkware is a popular seller at BIC Graphic. Additionally, the company’s Express First Aid Kit comes in a compact and reusable non-woven gray pouch with a colorful zipper and includes antibiotic ointment, antiseptic towelettes, adhesive pads, and bandages. The Retro Reflective Tote features reflective accents and a clean design that combines trendy gray with clean white and is accented with a pop of color. It features a zippered main compartment, shoulder length handles, and imprinted front slip pocket.

Spectrum Uniforms has several lines of customized apparel for the health care industry, including the UltraSoft line of medical scrubs, made of the softest 65/35 poly-cotton ultra-brushed fabric; and UltraSmart, a special antimicrobial lab coat line.

Pennington of Aprons Etc. emphasizes that this market goes beyond hospitals to include all types of medical practices and services. She advises distributors to take note of the growing market of senior care and home health service providers that is servicing baby boomers—the fastest growing age group in this country.

More cautious and thoughtful marketing strategies are necessary now that regulations have changed pharma spending, Lewis at BIC Graphic adds. In order for healthcare facilities to get the most bang for their buck, Lewis concludes that distributors carefully consider trends and demographics of the end user when suggesting promos.

Case Studies

Carrie Lewis, BIC Graphic

A pharmacy quick care clinic was launching a “sign up for wellness” campaign to promote a text service. Patients who signed up for the program would receive text alerts and have access to text prescription questions directly to the pharmacy. One threat to the program was the older average age of their patients, and their possible resistance to new technology. A writing instrument not only related to the campaign slogan, but also tied together a classic promo item with the imprint promoting a digital service was recommended. The clinic chose the #55934 Souvenir® TFW Pens because of the clean, modern look of bright white alongside blue, their corporate color. They were given away at the pharmacy counter, clinic check-out and drive-thru prescription pick-up window. The campaign received positive feedback across all age groups and sign-ups for the program exceeded projections.

Josette Bosse, Bay State

A YMCA used the Big Easy Shoehorn (G120) to promote their senior programs. All new members signing up for senior programs received one. They also handed them out at a community event, sponsored by the YMCA. They printed the tag line “Keeping You Active” along with their name and logo.

A partnership program between healthcare providers and early childhood health programs used the company’s Check-up Digital Thermometer (H773) to hand out to families. They printed their logo and website for future reference. It’s a perfect product to have on hand for patients with young children.