Drones, Robots, and 3-D Printers: What Risks Do They Present?

In healthcare today, drones can deliver medicine, robots can pass medical licensing exams, and three-dimensional (3-D) printers can create networks of blood vessels. As the capabilities of medical technology advance, what increased risk exposures are there for healthcare organizations and will the benefits outweigh such risks, asked speakers at a session on medical technology during the October 7-10, 2018, annual conference of the American Society for Health Care Risk Management (ASHRM) in Nashville. Apply the "5 A's" of evidence-based medicine to determine whether new technology is appropriate for the organization and its patients, recommended Courtney S. Young, JD, senior attorney, risk management, Medmarc Insurance Group. The approach entails asking a clinical question, acquiring the best evidence, appraising the evidence, applying the evidence, and assessing your performance, she said. "Don't use technology because it is new and best but because it is best for patients," said Constance A. Endelicato, JD, CPHRM, partner at Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP. "Look at the patient's needs and expectations."