We conducted a landscape analysis to understand the characteristics, impacts, and costs associated with medical device shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Among health systems, nursing homes and rural hospitals were the most impacted by medical device shortages due to high demand and supply transportation issues. We also found 14 different strategies used by providers, health systems, patients, and manufacturers to manage device shortages, including delaying procedures, substituting for other products, or using unvetted or non-traditional suppliers, which incurred added labor and training costs. Patients most vulnerable to device shortages included those under 18 years, those living in rural areas, and those relying on medical services in their home, those using ventilators and state-issued devices, or those living with a chronic disease. These patients also experienced delayed procedures, higher purchase costs, had to re-use devices, or received alternative treatments. Patients also had limited visibility in knowing which devices were on shortage. Pre-existing challenges like dependence on foreign sources, natural disasters, transportation issues, and limited supply chain visibility, combined with surge in demand, made medical device supply chains more vulnerable to shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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