1. Medtech Insight
  2. >>Digital Technologies

ECRI Warns Home-Use Devices Pose Patient Safety Risks

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

Growing trends toward caring for chronic conditions at home mean that more patients may be at risk from complicated devices used without adequate training, the patient safety group warned in an annual report on health technology hazards.

Man receiving chemotherapy infusion while seated outside.
Home use of tools like infusion pumps is one of the hazards highlighted by ECRI's report. • Source: Shutterstock

The increased use of complicated devices like ventilators and infusion pumps in the home environment poses a major risk to patient safety, advocacy group ECRI said in its 2024 list of health technology hazards.

The list, which ECRI compiles each year, also highlights potential trouble spots such as insufficient device cleaning instructions, lack of AI regulation, and safety issues posed by devices like infusion...

ECRI's Top 10 Health Technology Hazards For 2024
  • Usability challenges with medical devices in the home
  • Insufficient cleaning instructions for medical devices
  • Drug compounding without technology safeguards
  • Environmental harm from patient care
  • ...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Digital Technologies

DeepLook AI Imaging Provides A Deeper Look At Dense Breast

DeepLook Medical recently announced the commercial rollout of DL Precise, an AI-powered imaging platform that enhances breast cancer screening, at major healthcare institutions across the US.

First AI Breast Cancer Prediction Platform Receives FDA Authorization

 
• By Natasha Barrow

Clairity’s "first-in-class" mammography-based AI screening tool, Clairity Breast, provides "equitable risk assessments," expanding access to lifesaving early detection for breast cancer, said company founder Connie Lehman.

ConcertAI Launches Generative AI-Powered Precision Suite

 
• By Natasha Barrow

Valued at over $1.9bn, ConcertAI is building on its pre-existing multi-agentic AI SaaS solution CARAai to bring life science customers the new Precision suite of applications: Precision Explorer, Precision Trials, Precision GTM and Precision360.

Handheld Diagnostics: A Resurging Category That is Here to Stay

 
• By Barnaby Pickering

Handheld diagnostics are more powerful, accessible and clinically relevant than ever. Medtech Insight spoke to companies behind such technologies to learn how they work and discuss their commercial models.

More from Medtech Insight

Final Curtain For LDTs? FDA Will Not Appeal District Court Decision To Vacate Final Rule

 
• By Brian Bossetta

The US FDA has given up on its effort to regulate lab-developed tests as medical devices, at least for now. The agency will not appeal a decision from the Eastern District of Texas that tossed out the FDA’s final rule, leaving the agency with few cards.

Abbott Announces FDA Approval Of Tendyne Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement System

 
• By Marion Webb

Abbott received the US FDA nod for its Tendyne system, offering a minimally invasive alternative to replace the valves of patients with severe mitral valve disease who are at risk for open-heart surgery.

SAGA Diagnostics Launches Early Breast Cancer MRD Detection Test In US

 
• By Natasha Barrow

SAGA Diagnostics has launched its breast cancer residual and recurrence detection test – Pathlight – in the US. The test’s ultrahigh sensitivity and specificity is rare to see in oncology, the company claimed.