The ECRI Institute has published their annual Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2017. As noted in the brief, the list is published each year to identify:
“…the potential sources of danger that we believe warrant the greatest attention for the coming year. The list does not enumerate the most frequently reported problems or the ones associated with the most severe consequences—although we do consider such information in our analysis. Rather, the list reflects our judgment about which risks should receive priority now.” (p. 3)
The list includes:
- Infusion Errors Can Be Deadly If Simple Safety Steps Are Overlooked
- Inadequate Cleaning of Complex Reusable Instruments Can Lead to Infections
- Missed Ventilator Alarms Can Lead to Patient Harm
- Undetected Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression
- Infection Risks with Heater-Cooler Devices Used in Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Software Management Gaps Put Patients, and Patient Data, at Risk
- Occupational Radiation Hazards in Hybrid ORs
- Automated Dispensing Cabinet Setup and Use Errors May Cause Medication Mishaps
- Surgical Stapler Misuse and Malfunctions
- Device Failures Caused by Cleaning Products and Practices
If you’re interested in getting your own copy of the Executive Brief, visit this link.
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