Durable medical equipment

Durable Medical Equipment

Durable Medical Equipment (DME), pronounced as /ˈdjʊərəbəl ˈmɛdɪkəl ɪˈkwɪpmənt/, is a term used to describe any medical equipment that is used in the home to aid in a better quality of living. The etymology of the term is derived from the English words "durable" meaning long-lasting, "medical" pertaining to the science of healing, and "equipment" referring to necessary items for a particular purpose.

DME is primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose, can withstand repeated use, and is appropriate for use in the home. Generally, DME is prescribed by a physician and should be appropriate for use in the home, rather than in a hospital or clinic setting.

Types of Durable Medical Equipment

DME includes, but is not limited to, wheelchairs, hospital beds, prosthetics, orthotics, and oxygen concentrators.

Wheelchairs - A chair fitted with wheels for use as a means of transport by a person who is unable to walk as a result of illness, injury, or disability.
Hospital beds - Specially designed beds for use by individuals with health conditions that require positioning or medical care.
Prosthetics - An artificial body part, typically made from materials such as plastics, lightweight metals, or composites.
Orthotics - A device that helps to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.
Oxygen concentrators - A device that concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream.

Related Terms

Home Medical Equipment - A category of devices used for patients whose care is being managed from a home or other private facility managed by a nonprofessional caregiver or family member.
Assistive technology - An umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities or elderly population.
Rehabilitation Engineering - The application of science and technology to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical impairments.