Cost-effective quality assurance of rented medical equipment

The Biomedical Engineering Department (BME) at the University Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona, noted a sharp increase in the use of rented medical equipment. To increase efficiency, control costs, and provide effective quality assurance for rented equipment, a Medical Equipment Rental Vendor (MERV) program was formulated. The program increases efficiency by placing the burden of verifying safety and performance on the MERVs. Performance requirements were developed for the MERVs. The vendors who agreed to the requirements were compiled into a list of preferred vendors to be the primary suppliers of rental medical equipment to UMC. These preferred vendors were given preapproval from BME to deliver equipment directly to the requesting clinical department. All other vendors must continue to submit their equipment to BME for inspection. Policies were written to outline the responsibilities of the clinical departments and BME relative to the MERVs. Frequency of sampling, means of documentation, and assurance of user training were included. Response from the vendors and clinical departments has been positive. Communication between the vendors, clinical departments, and BME has improved through the development and implementation of this program. Vendor and equipment quality have been maintained or improved since compliance with the performance requirements is necessary to maintain preferred vendor status.