AI Threats and Innovations Top Health & Tech Warnings for 2025
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare settings without proper oversight is identified as the most significant health technology hazard for 2025 by the nonprofit patient safety organization ECRI. According to their 18th annual report, the hazards are primarily due to the potential for preventable harms arising from AI misuse.
ECRI’s Top 10 Health Tech Hazards for 2025
- Risks with AI-enabled health technologies.
- Unmet technology support needs for home care patients.
- Vulnerable technology vendors and cybersecurity threats.
- Substandard or fraudulent medical devices and supplies.
- Fire risk in areas where supplemental oxygen is in use.
- Dangerously low default alarm limits on anesthesia units.
- Mishandled temporary holds on medication orders.
- Infection risks and tripping hazards from poorly managed infusion lines.
- Skin injuries from medical adhesive products.
- Incomplete investigations of infusion system incidents.
ECRI compiles this list based on member survey responses, literature reviews, the testing of medical devices in their laboratory, and investigations of patient safety incidents.
Dangers of AI
The report notes that while AI has the potential to improve medical diagnoses and treatments, biases in training data can lead to serious health disparities. AI systems may also produce ‘hallucinations’ or false responses, impacting patient care.
Home Care Tech Support
Home care has its unique challenges, particularly when patients or family members are responsible for operating complex medical devices. Experts recommend ensuring that users are adequately trained and that instructions are user-friendly to prevent errors.
Cybersecurity Threats
With more reliance on technology from external vendors, ECRI warns that health systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disrupt operations. Cybersecurity measures should include thorough vendor vetting and robust contingency plans.
For further details, you can read the full report here.
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