Durable Medical Equipment Recycling

Abstract

Our unfunded trauma patients often lack the access to adequate health care services and equipment after hospital discharge. We have developed and implemented a pilot program to provide reclaimed durable medical equipment to medically indigent trauma patients. Our program includes the reuse of items such as front-wheeled walkers, bedside commodes, shower chairs, crutches, and canes.

Getting Unstuck: Challenges and Opportunities in Caring for Patients Experiencing Prolonged Hospitalization While Stable for Discharge

“…Some health systems have designed solutions for guardianship administrative processing, 34 lack of caregiver, 35 intravenous antibiotic use in patients with substance abuse history, 36 homelessness, [37][38][39][40][41] and the need to provide durable medical equipment. 42 Expanding the ability of subacute health care settings to overcome internal barriers is an important area for future collaboration. VA facilities have leveraged telehealth to provide subspecialty care, including mental health, geriatrics, and palliative care, to contracted nursing homes when this is a barrier to discharge.…”

Characterization Of Hospitalized Patients With Residual Disability: Does Home Durable Medical Equipment Setup Requirements Represent A Barrier To Discharge?

“…While some DME can be obtained through private and federal insurance programs and charitable donations, and recycling programs, the cost of equipment setup and delivery sometimes remains an impediment [6]. In addition, delivery cost increases commensurately with distance from the hospital to home (Figure 1).…”