The Trouble with Home-Use Devices, Pt. 1

In this episode, Etienne Nichols hosts regulatory expert Mike Drues to discuss the evolving landscape of home use medical devices. The conversation covers critical topics such as regulatory definitions, safety challenges, and compliance hurdles for devices intended for use outside traditional clinical settings.

They explore how home use devices, such as CPAP machines and infusion pumps, can differ significantly from hospital-based devices in terms of design, post-market surveillance, and user interaction.

The discussion is grounded in real-world examples, most notably the Philips Respironics recall, which became the largest medical device recall in history due to design oversights and failure in post-market surveillance.

This episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into technical, regulatory, and user-related challenges in the next installment.

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Click here to learn more!

Listen now:

Love this episode? Leave a review on iTunes!

Have suggestions or topics you’d like to hear about? Email us at podcast@greenlight.guru.

Key timestamps

• [00:01] – Introduction: Etienne introduces the episode and topic of home use medical devices, along with a quick sponsor message.
• [02:30] – Defining Home Use Devices: Mike Drues explains what qualifies as a home use medical device from a regulatory standpoint.
• [07:50] – Why Home Use Devices Matter: Discussion on why home use medical devices are a strategic priority for CDRH in 2025 and the safety issues identified by the Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI).
• [12:15] – Case Study: Philips Respironics Recall: Mike discusses the technical and regulatory issues behind the Philips Respironics recall and its implications for manufacturers.
• [25:45] – Post-Market Surveillance and Complaint Handling: The challenges of post-market surveillance and complaint handling for home use devices, and the role of regulatory compliance.
• [35:30] – The Importance of Intended Use Environment: Exploring how intended use environment should influence design and usability considerations.
• [45:20] – Teaser for Part 2: Mike and Etienne preview topics for the next episode, including labeling challenges, human factors, and usability testing for home use medical devices.

Top takeaways from this episode

1. Home Use Device Surge: There is a growing trend toward designing devices for non-clinical environments, driven by technological advancements and patient demand for convenience.
2. Regulatory Focus on Safety: Regulatory bodies like the FDA are increasingly prioritizing the safety of home use devices, as seen in CDRH’s 2025 strategic priorities.
3. Impact of High-Profile Recalls: Large-scale recalls, like the Philips Respironics case, highlight the need for robust design controls and post-market surveillance practices for home use devices.

Practical tips for MedTech professionals

1. Design for Real-World Use: When designing home use devices, consider environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and patient handling to prevent unintended failures.
2. Emphasize Post-Market Surveillance: Develop strong post-market surveillance and complaint handling processes to catch and address issues early.
3. Communicate Clearly with Users: Create user-friendly labeling and instructions that cater to non-professional users to minimize the risk of misuse.

MedTech 101

What are home use medical devices?

Home use medical devices are defined as devices intended for use in environments outside of traditional clinical settings, such as homes, schools, and offices. These devices must be designed to accommodate non-professional users, accounting for factors like usability, environmental conditions, and ease of maintenance. Understanding these nuances is essential for developing safe and effective devices for a growing market.

Related links

• FDA Guidance on Home Use Devices: Design Considerations for Devices Intended for Home Use – This guidance provides detailed recommendations on how to design and label home use medical devices.

• ECRI’s Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2023 and 2024: An annual report highlighting the safety concerns for home use medical devices.

• Philips Respironics Recall Case Study: The recall case, which affected over 5.5 million devices, serves as a key example of post-market surveillance failure and design oversight.

Memorable quotes from this episode

• “A home use device isn’t just a device that could be used at home; it’s one that’s intended and labeled for use outside traditional clinical settings.” — Mike Drues
• “When post-market surveillance fails, it’s not just a compliance issue—it’s a safety issue that can put lives at risk.” — Mike Drues
• “Regulatory logic goes beyond the written rules—it’s about understanding the intent behind them to ensure devices are safe wherever they’re used.” — Mike Drues

Audience feedback

Love this episode? Leave a review on iTunes! Have suggestions or topics you’d like to hear about? Email us at podcast@greenlight.guru.

Sponsors

• Greenlight Guru: Is your QMS holding you back? Greenlight Guru is THE eQMS built for medical device companies to accelerate success and ensure compliance with FDA, ISO, and EU MDR requirements. Streamline your quality processes and focus on innovation. Visit www.greenlight.guru to learn more!
• Rook Quality Systems: Ready to ensure your QMS is audit-ready? Rook Quality Systems offers comprehensive QMS audits and training tailored to your organization’s needs. From gap analysis to corrective actions, Rook helps you maintain compliance and efficiency. Schedule your audit at www.rookqs.com.

About the Global Medical Device Podcast:

The Global Medical Device Podcast powered by Greenlight Guru is where today's brightest minds in the medical device industry go to get their most useful and actionable insider knowledge, direct from some of the world's leading medical device experts and companies.

Like this episode? Subscribe today on iTunes or Spotify.