Demographics and Durable Medical Equipment Needs of Persons With Disabilities in a Charitable Rehabilitation Clinic.

ABSTRACT: This study characterizes the demographics and durable medical equipment needs of persons with disabilities to improve utilization and management of resources at a philanthropic rehabilitation clinic. Paper charts from all encounters between 2013 and 2018 were reviewed. Data collected include sex, age, ethnicity, insurance status, diagnoses, and durable medical equipment requested/received. Paper charts that were incomplete or illegible were excluded. Among 763 individuals, there were 1157 encounters for durable medical equipment requests. Forty-six percent of individuals were uninsured. Thirty-seven percent had federal insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid, and 6% private insurance. Fifty-five percent of individuals were Hispanic, 28% African American, and 14% White. Fifty-six percent of encounters were with individuals with a neurological diagnosis, 18% medical diagnosis, 17% musculoskeletal/autoimmune diagnosis, 6% amputation diagnosis, and 3% cancer diagnosis. Of the 2680 items distributed, 34% were wheelchair parts and repair, 30% personal hygiene/incontinence supplies, 25% mobility equipment, and 11% bathroom equipment. Of the 513 unmet items requested, 49% were mobility equipment, 24% wheelchair parts and repair, 17% personal hygiene/incontinence supplies, and 11% bathroom equipment. More than a third (43%) of durable medical equipment requests were from individuals with either private insurance or federal payers, which implies lack of adequate coverage on durable medical equipment to maintain mobility and independence.

The Pandemic: Lessons for Bioethics?

Seeking useful ways to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic, bioethicists have been tempted to claim for themselves what Alasdair MacIntyre characterized in After Virtue as the moral fiction of managerial expertise. They have been eager to offer a wide range of policy prescriptions, presenting themselves as bureaucratic managers and suggesting an expertise that bioethics may not in fact be able to offer. This was evident, for example, in the petition published by The Hastings Center in March 2020. The pandemic could foster a more hopeful future for bioethics if it were to focus attention less on policy decisions that belong to all citizens and more on some of the most basic moral questions that life presents and with which bioethics has always dealt-including, surely, the virtues needed in order to live well in a time of pandemic.

Medical equipment trends during the UK military exercise SAIF SAREEA 3 in Oman.

INTRODUCTION: Ex SAIF SAREEA 3 was a joint British-Omani military exercise involving approximately 5500 British personnel deployed to Oman over a 6-month period. Role 1 medical care was provided by medical treatment facilities (MTFs) deployed with medical equipment as per the UK 300 medical module. METHOD: Retrospective analysis was undertaken of prospectively collected equipment usage data from two Role 1 MTFs in Duqm (MTF 1) and Muaskar Al Murtafa (MTF 2) camps over a period of 6-8 weeks. Data were analysed alongside routinely collected epidemiological data (EPINATO) during the deployment. Equipment used in addition to the module was also recorded. RESULTS: MTF 1 used 50 out of the 179 different items from the module over the 8-week period. MTF 2 used 45 out of the 179 different items from their module over the 6-week period. The most commonly used items across the sites were non-sterile examination gloves, plastic aprons, tympanic thermometer probe covers, disinfectant wipes and self-adhesive plasters. Extramodular items (blunt fill needle, water pump sprayer, Jelonet gauze and stool specimen pot) accounted for 5% of all equipment used in MTF 1. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the 300 module accommodates 95% of Role 1 patients' needs but highlights the requirement for dedicated equipment for the treatment of heat casualties if deemed likely and blunt fill/filter needles for the administration of parenteral medication. Commanders must perform a thorough medical estimate and risk assessment prior to deployment to ensure that the 300 medical module is likely to provide the necessary equipment and supplement the module if required.

Investigation of Relationship Between Spatial Distribution of Medical Equipment and Preventable Mortality.

The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between the spatial distribution of the selected medical equipment and the preventable mortality rate in the regions of the Slovak Republic. The main analytical approach is carried out through the cluster analysis based on a Euclidean distance technique in order to get similarity of the administrative divisions in form of a district and a pseudot2 approach aimed at the determination of a number of the districts in a cluster. A number of medical equipment had a rising tendency from the year 2008. The most extreme position according to a localisation distribution of the computed tomographs and the magnetic resonance imaging scanners is held by the Kosice IV District at the level of 7.50630. From an angle of view of the preventable mortality, the Piestany District holds the most extreme position peaking at the level of 10.97969 for the female sex and the Kezmarok District with the value of 9.44088. The study has the significant dissemination outputs for health policy interventions, especially to draw up regional health plans for computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging deployment, mainly in locations with a high preventable mortality rate for both sexes.

Feasibility of Simulation-Based Medical Education in a Low-Income Country: Challenges and Solutions From a 3-year Pilot Program in Uganda.

STATEMENT: Simulation is relatively new in many low-income countries. We describe the challenges encountered, solutions deployed, and the costs incurred while establishing two simulation centers in Uganda. The challenges we experienced included equipment costs, difficulty in procurement, lack of context-appropriate curricula, unreliable power, limited local teaching capacity, and lack of coordination among user groups. Solutions we deployed included improvisation of equipment, customization of low-cost simulation software, creation of context-specific curricula, local administrative support, and creation of a simulation fellowship opportunity for local instructors. Total costs for simulation setups ranged from US $165 to $17,000. For centers in low-income countries trying to establish simulation programs, our experience suggests that careful selection of context-appropriate equipment and curricula, engagement with local and international collaborators, and early emphasis to increase local teaching capacity are essential. Further studies are needed to identify the most cost-effective levels of technological complexity for simulation in similar resource-constrained settings.

Dependence and power in healthcare equipment supply chains.

Most healthcare organizations (HCOs) engage Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) as an outsourcing strategy to secure their supplies and materials. When an HCO outsources the procurement function to a GPO, this GPO will directly interact with the HCO's supplier on the HCO's behalf. This study investigates how an HCO's dependence on a GPO affects supply chain relationships and power in the healthcare medical equipment supply chain. Hypotheses are tested through factor analysis and structural equation modeling, using primary survey data from HCO procurement managers. An HCO's dependence on a GPO is found to be positively associated with a GPO's reliance on mediated power, but, surprisingly, negatively associated with a GPO's mediated power. Furthermore, analysis indicates that an HCO's dependence on a GPO is positively associated with an HCO's dependence on a GPO-contracted Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). HCO reliance on GPOs may lead to a buyer's dependence trap, where HCOs are increasingly dependent on GPOs and OEMs. Implications for HCO procurement managers and recommended steps for mitigation are offered. Power-dependence relationships in the medical equipment supply chain are not consistent with relationships in other, more traditional, supply chains. While dependence in a supply chain relationship typically leads to an increase in reliance on mediated power, GPO-dependent HCOs instead perceive a decrease in GPO mediated power. Furthermore, HCOs that rely on procurement service from GPOs are increasingly dependent on the OEMs.

Using Lean methodologies to streamline processing of requests for durable medical equipment and supplies for children with complex conditions.

BACKGROUND: An improvement team from the Complex Care Center at our large pediatric medical center participated in a 60-day initiative to use Lean methodologies to standardize their processes, eliminate waste and improve the timely and reliable provision of durable medical equipment and supplies. METHODS: The team used value stream mapping to identify processes needing improvement. Improvement activities addressed the initial processing of a request, provider signature on the form, returning the form to the sender, and uploading the completed documents to the electronic medical record. Data on lead time (time between receiving a request and sending the completed request to the Health Information Management department) and process time (amount of time the staff worked on the request) were collected via manual pre- and post-time studies. RESULTS: Following implementation of interventions, the median lead time for processing durable medical equipment and supply requests decreased from 50 days to 3 days (p < 0.0001). Median processing time decreased from 14min to 9min (p < 0.0001). The decrease in processing time realized annual cost savings of approximately $11,000. CONCLUSIONS: Collaborative leadership and multidisciplinary training in Lean methods allowed the CCC staff to incorporate common sense, standardize practices, and adapt their work environment to improve the timely and reliable provision of equipment and supplies that are essential for their patients. IMPLICATIONS: The application of Lean methodologies to processing requests for DME and supplies could also result in a natural spread to other paperwork and requests, thus avoiding delays and potential risk for clinical instability or deterioration.

[Mobility of metrological support in military-medical organisations of the Ministry of Defence].

Mobility of metrological support in military-medical organisations of the Ministry of Defence. With the increasing availability of high-tech medical care increases the value of its quality. One of the most important conditions to achieve an adequate level of medical service activity by this criterion is correct and reliable operation of medical equipment. Almost all medical equipment, which is used at the diagnostic and therapeutic departments of military medical institutions, belongs to the category of measuring instruments. Its accuracy and reliability of operation are provided with metrological procedures; which are considered an integral part of providing the diagnostic and treatment process. The article defines the activities of modern metrological tasks tipped the military medical service. The data on the state and prospects of development of metrological provision of health care institutions, increasing its mobility.

[Medical devices and its in-field use].

The quality of in-field treatment and prevention measures depends on the availability of modern medical devices, instruments, and equipment. In this regard peculiarities of medical care delivery during military conflicts advance special requirements for medical equipment, which is used by the medical service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The article shows prospects of in-field use of the most important samples of medical devices adopted by the Armed Forces.

[Equipment of field units of the medical service of the Armed Forces with modern medical complexes on the basis of pneumo-frame modules, and procedure of the use].

Equipment of field units or ine meaical service of the Armed Forces with modem medical complexes on the basis of pneumo-frame modules, and procedure of the use. On the basis of experience of medical supply in local wars and modern armed conflicts, when liquidating medical and sanitary disaster consequences the authors revealed the main organizational problems in army echelon of the medical service. It is shown that these problems can be solved by means of deployment of medical units and subunits. Requirements for means of deployment are defined. Present organic equipment is assessed. The authors showed advantages ofpneumo- framed modules, their tactic and technical characteristics, variants of the use when deploying army levels of field medical evacuation.

Sistemas y equipos para la provisión, generación y liberación de oxígeno y mantenimiento de los servicios / No disponible

No disponible

Availability of drugs and medical supplies for emergency obstetric care: experience of health facility managers in a rural District of Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Provision of quality emergency obstetric care relies upon the presence of skilled health attendants working in an environment where drugs and medical supplies are available when needed and in adequate quantity and of assured quality. This study aimed to describe the experience of rural health facility managers in ensuring the timely availability of drugs and medical supplies for emergency obstetric care (EmOC). METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 17 health facility managers: 14 from dispensaries and three from health centers. Two members of the Council Health Management Team and one member of the Council Health Service Board were also interviewed. A survey of health facilities was conducted to supplement the data. All the materials were analysed using a qualitative thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Participants reported on the unreliability of obtaining drugs and medical supplies for EmOC; this was supported by the absence of essential items observed during the facility survey. The unreliability of obtaining drugs and medical supplies was reported to result in the provision of untimely and suboptimal EmOC services. An insufficient budget for drugs from central government, lack of accountability within the supply system and a bureaucratic process of accessing the locally mobilized drug fund were reported to contribute to the current situation. CONCLUSION: The unreliability of obtaining drugs and medical supplies compromises the timely provision of quality EmOC. Multiple approaches should be used to address challenges within the health system that prevent access to essential drugs and supplies for maternal health. There should be a special focus on improving the governance of the drug delivery system so that it promotes the accountability of key players, transparency in the handling of information and drug funds, and the participation of key stakeholders in decision making over the allocation of locally collected drug funds.

Direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration: translating evidence into action.

BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence that direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration reduces complications, but this practice is not universal in Australia and New Zealand. AIMS: To describe the current utilisation and logistical barriers to the use of direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration by respiratory physicians from Australia and New Zealand, and to determine the cost benefits of procuring equipment and training resources in chest ultrasound. METHODS: We surveyed all adult respiratory physician members of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand regarding their use of direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration. We performed a cost-benefit analysis for acquiring bedside ultrasound equipment and estimated the capacity of available ultrasound training. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-six of 275 respiratory physicians responded (53% response). One-third (33.6%) of respondents do not undertake direct ultrasound localisation. Lack of training/expertise (44.6%) and lack of access to ultrasound equipment (41%) were the most frequently reported barriers to performing direct ultrasound localisation. An average delay of 2 or more days to obtain an ultrasound performed in radiology was reported in 42.7% of respondents. Decision-tree analysis demonstrated that clinician-performed direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration is cost-beneficial, with recovery of initial capital expenditure within 6 months. Ultrasound training infrastructure is already available to up-skill all respiratory physicians within 2 years and is cost-neutral. CONCLUSION: Many respiratory physicians have not adopted direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration because they lack equipment and expertise. However, purchase of ultrasound equipment is cost-beneficial, and there is already sufficient capacity to deliver accredited ultrasound training through existing services.

Pilot statewide study of pediatric emergency department alignment with national guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians, and Emergency Nursing Association have developed consensus guidelines for pediatric emergency department policies, procedures, supplies, and equipment. Kentucky received funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration through the Emergency Medical Services for Children program to pilot test the guidelines with the state's hospitals. In addition to providing baseline data regarding institutional alignment with the guidelines, the survey supported development of grant funding to procure missing items. METHODS: Survey administration was undertaken by staff and members of the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services Emergency Medical Services for Children work group and faculty and staff of the University of Kentucky College of Public Health and the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Responses were solicited primarily online with repeated reminders and offers of assistance. RESULTS: Seventy respondents completed the survey section on supplies and equipment either online or by fax. Results identified items unavailable at 20% or more of responding facilities, primarily the smallest sizes of equipment. The survey section addressing policy and procedure received only 16 responses. CONCLUSIONS: Kentucky facilities were reasonably well equipped by national standards, but rural facilities and small hospitals did not stock the smallest equipment sizes because of low reported volume of pediatric emergency department cases. Thus, a centralized procurement process that gives them access to an adequate range of pediatric supplies and equipment would support capacity building for the care of children across the entire state. Grant proposals were received from 28 facilities in the first 3 months of funding availability.

Legal and regulatory challenges currently facing diabetes treatment providers and related durable medical equipment suppliers.

It has been estimated that 24 million Americans have diabetes, many of whom are Medicare beneficiaries. These individuals carefully monitor their blood glucose levels primarily through the use of in-home blood glucose testing kits. Although the test is relatively simple, the cumulative expense of providing glucose test strips and lancets to patients is ever increasing, both to the Medicare program and to uninsured individuals who must pay out-of-pocket for these testing supplies. This article discusses the diabetes durable medical equipment (DME) coverage under Part B Medicare, the establishment and role of DME Medicare administrative contractors, and national and local coverage requirements for diabetes DME suppliers. This article also discusses the federal government's ongoing concerns regarding the improper billing of diabetes testing supplies. To protect the Medicare Trust Fund, the federal government has contracted with multiple private entities to conduct reviews and audits of questionable Medicare claims. These private sector contractors have conducted unannounced site visits of DME supplier offices, interviewed patients and their families, placed suppliers on prepayment review, and conducted extensive postpayment audits of prior paid Medicare claims. In more egregious administrative cases, Medicare contractors have recommended that problematic providers and/or DME suppliers have their Medicare numbers suspended or, in some instances, revoked. More serious infractions can lead to civil or criminal liability. In the final part of this article, we will examine the future of enforcement efforts by law enforcement and Medicare contractors and the importance of understanding and complying with federal laws when ordering and supplying diabetes testing strips and lancets.