Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2025: Insights from our Medical Malpractice Attorneys

As experienced medical malpractice attorneys, we often witness the devastating consequences of preventable harm caused by healthcare technology failures. ECRI’s latest report on the Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2025 highlights critical risks in medical settings, offering actionable recommendations to minimize these hazards. Here, we explore key insights from the report and emphasize the importance of a Total Systems Approach to Safety (TSS) to protect patients and healthcare providers alike.

Understanding the Total Systems Approach to Safety

ECRI’s Total Systems Approach to Safety aims to redesign healthcare safety systems by integrating advanced safety science, human factors engineering, and health equity. This proactive framework prioritizes leadership alignment, workforce wellness, and patient engagement to reduce errors and preventable harm. For attorneys representing patients harmed by medical errors, the adoption of such systems could signal a commitment to safer practices, potentially mitigating legal risks for healthcare providers.

Identifying the Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2025

ECRI’s annual report highlights hazards that warrant immediate attention due to their severity, frequency, and preventability. Below are the hazards identified in the 2025 report:

Risks with AI-Enabled Health Technologies
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers tremendous potential but comes with risks such as biased training data, hallucinations (misleading AI outputs), and performance drift. Over-reliance on AI without proper scrutiny can lead to inappropriate care decisions. Implementing AI responsibly requires strong governance, realistic expectations, and ongoing monitoring.
Unmet Technology Support Needs for Home Care Patients
Home healthcare devices like ventilators and infusion pumps require proper user training and support. Inadequate preparation or device selection can lead to adverse outcomes, including fatal errors. Providers must ensure usability assessments, training, and ongoing support for home users.
Vulnerable Technology Vendors and Cybersecurity Threats
Dependence on third-party vendors for essential systems introduces risks of cyberattacks or service disruptions. Such incidents can jeopardize patient safety by delaying or degrading care. Healthcare organizations must thoroughly vet vendors and implement robust cybersecurity measures.
Substandard or Fraudulent Medical Devices and Supplies
The proliferation of substandard or counterfeit medical products threatens patient safety. Examples include faulty syringes, isolation gowns, and infusion pump batteries. Healthcare providers must vet suppliers and establish protocols to identify and respond to such issues.
Fire Risk in Areas Where Supplemental Oxygen Is in Use
Fires can occur in settings where oxygen is used, including homes and acute care facilities. Awareness of the “fire triangle” (oxidizer, fuel, ignition source) and preventive measures are essential to avoid catastrophic outcomes.
Dangerously Low Default Alarm Limits on Anesthesia Units
Anesthesia units with unsafe default alarm limits can lead to undetected issues like low ventilation or insufficient anesthetic agents, resulting in severe harm or death. Vendors and healthcare facilities must ensure default alarm settings are safe and appropriate.
Mishandled Temporary Holds on Medication Orders
Errors in managing medication hold orders can cause harm, including failure to restart necessary medications. Healthcare facilities need well-defined workflows and EHR configurations to minimize such risks.
Infection Risks and Tripping Hazards from Poorly Managed Infusion Lines
Improper management of infusion lines can lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and tripping hazards. Staff should follow aseptic techniques and ensure lines are secured to prevent contamination or dislodgement.
Skin Injuries from Medical Adhesive Products
Adhesive products used for wound care or securing medical devices can cause skin tears, blisters, or dermatitis. Healthcare providers must assess patient risk factors and select appropriate products to minimize these injuries.
Incomplete Investigations of Infusion System Incidents
Thorough investigations of adverse events involving infusion systems are essential to prevent recurrence. Healthcare organizations must create a culture of immediate reporting and preserve evidence to identify root causes.

The Role of Problem Reporting

ECRI emphasizes the importance of problem reporting to identify and mitigate technology-related risks. Reports of adverse events and near misses provide valuable insights for improving device designs, clinical practices, and system-wide safety.

Implications for Legal Advocacy

From a legal perspective, the failure to address known health technology hazards could constitute negligence. When healthcare facilities or manufacturers neglect to implement preventative measures, patients suffer unnecessary harm. Attorneys representing injured patients can leverage reports like ECRI’s to highlight systemic flaws and advocate for improved safety standards.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Patient Safety

ECRI’s Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2025 underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare safety. By addressing these risks proactively, healthcare providers can reduce preventable harm and enhance the quality of care. For patients harmed by these hazards, seeking legal counsel promptly is essential to ensure accountability and justice.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a health technology failure, our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are here to help. Contact us today at 212-943-1090 for a consultation.