Gamma Camera Failures, Telemetry Shortcomings Added To ECRI's Top Tech Hazards
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Gamma camera mechanical failures and surveillance challenges with telemetry-monitored patients monitored are two risks that have been elevated to the nonprofit ECRI Institute's Top 10 technology hazards for the first time in its 2016 listing, while inadequate cleaning of flexible endoscopes and missed alarms on monitoring equipment continue to be highlighted in the annual ranking.
You may also be interested in...
Infusion Pump Errors Top ECRI's Annual Health-Tech Hazards List
The ECRI Institute identified infusion pump errors as its number-one health-technology hazard for hospitals to look for in 2017, followed by inadequate cleaning of complex reusuable instruments, ventilator alarm management, and infection risks with heater-cooler devices.
Bacterial Outbreaks Triggering Tougher FDA Reprocessing Standards
Inadequate validation testing paired with highly-publicized bacterial outbreaks in Illinois and California involving use of contaminated duodenoscopes has led to stricter reprocessing standards for those devices. And FDA is likely moving towards tougher reprocessing requirements more broadly for reusable devices in an upcoming guidance.
ECRI Highlights Tech Hazards: Alarm Issues, Infusion Pumps Top Its 2014 List
Alarm hazards, infusion pump medication errors and CT radiation exposures in pediatric patients lead ECRI Institute’s 2014 list of the top 10 health technology hazards. Risks from networked devices and robotic surgery also made the list.