ECRI lists top technology hazards

Patients and family members using medical devices at home may use them incorrectly, resulting in harm, according to ECRI. The nonprofit organization named the “usability challenges” of medical devices such as infusion pumps and ventilators in the home first on its annual top ten list of health technology hazards, noting that few are intended for home use. ECRI urges medical professionals to instruct home users on how to operate devices successfully and safely. The list also named insufficient governance of artificial intelligence used in medical technologies as a top hazard. ECRI states lack of oversight could result in inappropriate care decisions. The organization calls for health care institutions to form AI governance programs addressing all phases of technology and use.