In brief: Older adults & tech adoption, Quipt’s new capital 

WASHINGTON – A new AARP survey finds that older Americans are just as likely to own a smartphone, tablet or other device. 

Nearly nine out of 10 Americans – 89% of those 50-plus and 90% of those 18-49 – own a smart phone, according to “2024 Tech Trends and Adults 50+.” 

Other findings: 

• Only 13% of adults 50-plus are currently taking advantage of technology to manage their health, despite 69% having one or more chronic or serious conditions. About one-fifth are aware of and interested in using technology; 42% are aware but not interested.  

• For caregivers over 50, 54% use medical digital services, 25% are engaging with health and fitness tracking for themselves, 15% use telemedicine, and 11% take advantage of digital mental health and wellness services. 

The results came from an online survey of 3,229 U.S. adults that was conducted in September and October 2023. The national sample was weighted by demographics to be representative of adults by generation and was offered in both English and Spanish. 

Quipt accesses new capital 

CINCINNATI – Quipt Home Medical has filed a preliminary short form base shelf prospectus with the securities commission in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, as well as a corresponding registration statement on Form F-10 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S./Canada Multijurisdictional Disclosure System. The shelf prospectus and registration statement allow the company to offer up to C$300,000,000 of common shares/preferred shares/debt securities/warrants at any time during the 25-month period that the shelf prospectus remains effective, positioning it to access new capital or issue securities in connection with strategic acquisitions if needed. The filing of the shelf prospectus replaces the original financing capacity of C$200,000,000, which was available to the company under its previous short form base shelf prospectus dated Nov. 11, 2021, and which expired on Dec. 13, 2023, and the filing of the registration statement replaces the company’s previous registration statement on Form F-10 that was declared effective on Nov. 15, 2021, plus an additional C$100,000,00, resulting in a total offering amount of up to C$300,000,000. 

NRRTS puts out call for speakers 

LUBBOCK, Texas – NRRTS is currently building out its 2024 education lineup and is looking for speakers to share their knowledge, experience and positive outcomes. The organization’s webinars consist of a one-hour presentation using Zoom by one or more speakers on a specific topic related to complex rehab technology that will benefit its registrants. NRRTS, an accredited IACET provider for CEUs, requires speakers to complete an application/learning design document containing three learning outcomes, provide references to support the presentation material and develop an accompanying five-question quiz/knowledge check for attendees. The organization also seeks articles and case studies for its DIRECTIONS Magazine that highlight clinical approaches to the application of complex rehab technology and offer readers an alternative way to earn their CEUs. The call for speakers ends on Jan. 31. 

Inspire Medical names Curet to board 

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Inspire Medical Systems has appointed Myriam J. Curet, M.D., as an independent director to its board effective Dec. 21, 2023. Curet currently serves as executive vice president and chief medical officer at Intuitive Surgical, a medical device manufacturer, and is also professor of surgery at Stanford University. “We are excited to add Dr. Curet, a practicing, board-certified minimally invasive general surgeon with extensive business and executive leadership experience in the medical device industry to our board of directors,” said Tim Herbert, president and CEO of Inspire Medical Systems. “Dr. Curet brings significant experience in developing and commercializing scalable solutions for minimally invasive surgery and we look forward to her guidance, expertise and contributions to our board as we advance Inspire therapy to treat the many patients affected by OSA.” In addition to Inspire, Curet serves on the boards of Stereotaxis, a global leader in innovative robotic technologies for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, and Nektar Therapeutics, a research-based, development-stage biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover and develop innovative medicines to address the unmet medical needs of patients. 

ManaMed makes executive appointments 

DENTON, Texas – ManaMed, a maker of orthopedic mobility and post-operative rehabilitation equipment, has announced several new leadership appointments. Erik Rost has been named director of sales and service, bringing more than 20 years of medical device sales and management experience. Kelly Nolan, who has developed and taken to market dozens of DME products, has been named director of product management. Chris Cioffi has been named director of quality and regulatory and will lead all quality and regulatory functions at ManaMed. "We are delighted to declare the latest additions to our leadership team and the restructuring of our organizational hierarchy,” said Trevor Theriot, CEO. “As a rapidly evolving entity in the medical device industry, it is paramount for us to engage, recruit, and advance the most exceptional talent the field has to offer.” 

CHME’s Ed Ettleman to retire 

FOSTER CITY, Calif. – Ed Ettleman will retire after more than 17 years with California Home Medical Equipment and 45 years in the HME industry. Throughout his career, Ettleman has consistently gone the extra mile for patients, clinical partners and referrals. “After 17 years with CHME and 45 years in our industry, Ed Ettleman continues to strive to ensure we are all doing our very best to serve the needs of our patients, clinical partners and referrals,” said Bernie Zimmerman, CEO. “Ed has consistently been the first to show up, ready to assist in any circumstance, and the last to sign off, ensuring that every situation, client, co-worker or staff member had everything they needed to close the loop."