Homecare technology covers medical devices that are provided by a medical organization or an insurance company and that are used by the patients at home. Thanks to homecare technology, more and more treatments can take place at home which only used to be provided in a hospital.
These treatments are provided under the responsibility of a medical specialist. Kidney dialysis machines and assisted breathing devices for use at home are examples of homecare technology. Devices which are bought by a consumer and for which the instruction or supervision are not provided by a medical specialist are not categorized as homecare technology but as self-care technology. RIVM investigated several different types of homecare technology to establish whether manufacturers ensure that the device can be used properly and safely at home. Additional research has been performed from the perspective of the user (i.e. patient/caregiver and care providers).