But there's a risk. Unlike hosptials where trained healthcare professionals are always available, people aren’t building homes with clinical operations in mind. As a result, they introduce unique challenges that can put patient safety and care quality on the line without proper planning.
According to Becker's Healthcare, gaps in technical support for home health devices is the 2nd most dangerous health tech hazard in 2025. That’s a big deal because these devices are often the lifeline for patients managing conditions like diabetes, heart failure, or post-surgical recovery. If you're a home healthcare provider, it's crucial to understand the risks involved and how to reduce them. Here's what you need to know.
Challenges of Medical Device Use in the Home
Complexity of Devices
Most medical devices are designed for doctors and nurses in clinical settings — not for an at-home patient managing their insulin pump. The complexity of these devices can overwhelm patients and their caregivers.
Limited Oversight
Homes lack real-time clinical supervision available in clinical environments. Patients are often left to make sense of their devices and troubleshoot issues.
Patient Responsibility
The patient is primarily responsible for managing, maintaining, and updating their devices, even if caregivers are making daily visits. These tasks add another layer of complexity for individuals who may already be grappling with serious health concerns or cognitive limitations.
Risks of Lackluster Support for Medical Devices
The risks quickly pile up when medical devices don’t get support. Here are just a few examples of what could go wrong.
Delayed Health Problem Detection
Time is of the essence in healthcare, and malfunctioning medical devices delay responses to declining conditions. For example, a poorly fitted blood pressure monitor might not report a hypertensive crisis.
Inaccurate Readings
Devices like glucometers or blood pressure cuffs are essential for managing chronic conditions. Medical devices are only helpful if they're accurate. Without clinically-precise calibration, they're prone to inaccurate readings. Left unchecked, these readings could lead to incorrect medication dosages or untimely medical interventions.
Harm or Injuries
Poorly maintained or improperly handled devices can physically harm users. For instance, a CPAP machine with inadequate cleaning may harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of respiratory infections.
Compromised Quality of Care
Suboptimal device functionality isn’t just inconvenient—it diminishes the effectiveness of care altogether. What are the costs? Poorer health outcomes and increased hospital readmissions are at the top of list.
Caregiver Burden
We've been focusing on patients, but let's remember the caregivers. When medical devices malfunction or prove difficult to use, caregivers shoulder the burden—often without adequate training or resources, leading to burnout and mistakes in care.
Key Considerations for Safe Device Setup in Home Care
Getting medical devices into a home is one thing, but ensuring they're safe and functional over time is another. Here's what to consider.
Internet Connectivity
Many modern devices rely on Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Without a reliable connection, devices may experience disruptions in functionality or fail to transmit critical patient data.
Home Environment
The physical setup of a home matters. Look for accessible power outlets, a stable surface for the device, and an environment free from extreme temperatures or dust. All of these may interfere with – or complicate – device operations.
Patient Factors
Every patient's physical and cognitive abilities are different.
- Is the patient comfortable with technology?
- Can they handle the physical demands of operating the device?
- Are they motivated to adhere to the device's requirements?
These key factors need to drive the level of training and support.
Device Training
Who’s teaching the patient how to use their devices, and how comprehensive is the training? Patient and caregiver training is essential to ensure they can safely use their devices.
Maintenance and Updates
Regular maintenance or firmware updates aren't just for smartphones. These days, medical devices require the same amount of attention. Providers should ensure that these assignements are straightforward or heavily supported by hands-on technical assistance.
The Role of Ongoing Support
Proper device installation is only the beginning. Long-term support and resources are essential for mitigating risks and ensuring successful patient outcomes.
24/7 Technical Support
Patients and caregivers need help, and they need it now. Having a support team available around the clock gives peace of mind when something goes awry.
Omnichannel Communication
Some patients prefer a quick phone call, while others feel more comfortable troubleshooting via online resources. Offering multiple ways for patients to connect—telephone, text, online portals, and even video support—can go a long way.
Proactive Monitoring Services
Healthcare providers can receive alerts through remote monitoring highlighting early signs of misuse or device malfunctions, allowing intervention before a minor issue escalates into something serious.
Educational Resources
Clear, easy-to-follow resources tailored to non-technical users are critical. We're talking user manuals, how-to videos, and FAQs that de-mystify complex device features.
Periodic Follow-ups
Check-ins aren’t just for reassurance—they’re an active way to ensure ongoing device success and address emerging challenges. Think of it as preventive care for medical equipment.
How Home Health Providers Can Lead the Way
With their unique position in patient care, healthcare providers play an essential role in making medical devices safer in the home.
Simplify Technology
Providers can work with manufacturers to develop usable devices tailored for home environments.
Offer Patient Education
Develop training programs that educate patients and caregivers on device setup, functionality, and troubleshooting.
Invest in Intuitive Devices
Choose medical technology with built-in safety features, remote monitoring capabilities, and precise feedback mechanisms.
Advocate for Comprehensive Coverage
Work with payers to secure insurance coverage, including device-related technical support, training, and maintenance.
Safer Homes, Healthier Patients
Home is where the heart is—but for patients, it’s also where health happens. The shift toward at-home care has many advantages, but without robust support systems in place, home medical devices come with substantial risks.
The solution? A Patient-centric approach that takes behavioral and environmental factors into account. By making safety a top priority –through proactive maintenance and education – healthcare providers can unlock the benefits of home healthcare while lowering the risks.
Together, we can make home health smarter, safer, and better for everyone.
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