Boston Tech Hub Faculty Working Group Brief: DIY Medical Devices

Fall 2018 Session 1

The Boston Tech Hub Faculty Working Group, hosted by former Secretary of Defense and Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center Director Ash Carter and Harvard SEAS Dean Frank Doyle, convened its first fall session on the topic of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) medical devices. This session examined the lack of formal approvals and safety evaluations in the development of DIY medical technologies and evaluated the current status quo across the DIY medical technology community. There was also discussion of solutions to promote the development of safe and effective technologies for medical care.

This pre-session briefing document provides background information on the subject; identifies current controversies, debates, and/or outstanding questions about the subject; poses discussion questions; and recommends relevant readings.