Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2023 Executive Brief

Learn how to identify and address health technology hazards in your facilities

ECRI’s Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2023 list identifies the potential sources of danger we believe warrant the greatest attention for the coming year and offers practical recommendations for reducing risks. Since its creation in 2008, this list has supported hospitals, health systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and manufacturers in addressing risks that can impact patients and staff. New for this year, our executive brief now includes specific calls to action for industry.

Overview

The 2023 list includes many first-time topics, including several that build upon the key theme from our 2022 list – the need to build stronger and more resilient processes, and leveraging innovations.

The number 1 topic addresses what has become a critical challenge – recalls in home-use devices. When a recall is issued for a medical device, manufacturers are responsible for informing their impacted providers, retailers, and distributors to prevent use of the device in a manner that could cause harm. However, as more care has shifted into the home health setting, the recall process is far less reliable as direct communication between manufacturers and home care patients is limited.

The list also includes critical issues with medical devices that can lead to medication errors, as well as how issues with cloud cybersecurity can impact patient safety. In addition, several topics on this year's list reflect new challenges that have resulted from changes and stressors on the healthcare industry:

  • Dialysis needle dislodgement
  • Ventilator cleaning and disinfection
  • Inflatable pressure infusers and air emboli

ECRI Members can download the Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2023 Solutions Kit on your member page.

Download the Executive Brief