Performance Health Partners
While healthcare technology continues to advance and improve patient care, new concerns in patient safety, data security, and the usability of medical technology also emerge. Understanding these health IT challenges is critical for healthcare providers, administrators, and policymakers to effectively manage risks and ensure healthcare safety.
To help navigate the most pressing concerns in health technology in 2025, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten risks identified by ECRI.
1. Risks with AI-Enabled Health Technologies
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into healthcare for diagnostics, treatment planning, and operational efficiencies. AI-driven tools analyze vast amounts of patient data to identify patterns that can enhance medical decision-making. However, these systems rely heavily on the quality and completeness of data, which can impact their accuracy and reliability.
The primary concern with AI-enabled health technologies is their potential for bias, misdiagnosis, and lack of transparency. If AI models are trained on incomplete or skewed data sets, they may produce inaccurate predictions, leading to incorrect treatment recommendations.
For example, a study conducted by the University of Michigan found evidence that Black patients were 4.5% less likely to be tested for medical conditions that white patients with the same age, sex, medical complaints and triage score due to biases in the AI’s training.
AI systems can also suffer from “hallucinations” where the software will produce false or misleading responses. AI can also find it difficult to adapt its outputs when confronted with new information or conditions, leading to changes in its performance over time. Furthermore, clinicians may overly rely on AI decisions without fully understanding the reasoning behind them, increasing the risk of errors.
To mitigate these risks, healthcare organizations should ensure that human decision-making stays at the core of healthcare processes:
- Healthcare facilities should implement rigorous validation processes, including independent audits of AI systems.
- Clinicians must receive training on AI’s limitations and be encouraged to critically evaluate AI-generated recommendations.
- Regulatory agencies should establish clear guidelines to ensure the ethical and safe deployment of AI in healthcare.
2. Unmet Technology Support Needs for Home Care Patients
The shift towards home-based care has accelerated, driven by patient preferences and healthcare cost reductions. Many individuals now manage chronic conditions or recover from procedures using medical devices in their homes such as ventilators, dialysis machines, and infusion pumps.
Despite the benefits, a lack of adequate technological support for home care patients presents a significant risk, creating a unique health IT challenge. Patients and caregivers may struggle to set up or operate medical devices correctly, leading to medical errors and adverse events going undetected or device readings being misinterpreted.
One study found that out of 606 incidents associated with infusion devices in private homes, 278 involved device malfunctions, 87 involved incorrect dosage administrations, 56 involved devices being programmed incorrectly, and 42 involved devices being set up incorrectly.
Devices may also malfunction, causing care delays or patient harm. Additionally, technical malfunctions may go unresolved due to insufficient access to expert support.
In order to use these devices safely, patients and caregivers must manage healthcare technology appropriately including:
- Assessing the user’s ability to handle the device
- Removing structural or physical limitations in the area of use
- Supplying the necessary accessories
- Providing training for device operation and maintenance
Establishing a 24/7 technical support infrastructure can also help patients resolve issues promptly.
3. Vulnerable Technology Vendors and Cybersecurity Threats
Healthcare organizations increasingly rely on third-party vendors for essential technologies, including electronic health records, medical device software, and telehealth platforms. While these technologies enhance efficiency and connectivity, they also introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Some vendors may lack robust security measures, making healthcare systems susceptible to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and unauthorized access to sensitive patient information.
In February of 2024, Change Healthcare experienced the largest healthcare data breach of all time. A ransomware affiliate accessed Change Healthcare’s network to encrypt files and exfiltrate about 100 million individuals’ health information by using compromised credentials for a vendor portal without multifactor authentication.
A single cybersecurity incident can compromise vast amounts of protected health data and leave healthcare providers without access to critical services, data, or communication channels. This can lead to delays in a patient’s care or prevent the patient from receiving care altogether.
To mitigate these risks, healthcare organizations must thoroughly vet vendors’ cybersecurity practices before integration. Requiring compliance with industry security standards, such as HIPAA and NIST guidelines, and conducting regular security audits can help identify and address vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication, encryption protocols, and employee cybersecurity training can further strengthen defenses against cyber threats.
4. Substandard or Fraudulent Medical Devices and Supplies
The global medical supply chain has seen an increase in counterfeit or substandard medical devices and supplies. Every year, the U.S. loses $129B-$430B to healthcare fraud, with at least $60B contributing to Medicare fraud that has increasingly involved medical device scams. With the demand for healthcare equipment continuously rising, the risk of acquiring low-quality or fraudulent products is higher than ever.
Using these inferior products can lead to device failures, inaccurate readings, and compromised patient safety. Faulty medical devices—such as subpar ventilators, infusion pumps, or surgical instruments—can result in serious complications or ineffective treatments. In the worst cases, they can contribute to life-threatening situations. Additionally, the recalls that these products cause can put pressure on the supply chain and increase inventory management costs for healthcare facilities.
To ensure safety, procurement teams should source medical products exclusively from reputable suppliers. Trialing new products before purchase and conducting quality inspections upon reception can help prevent the use of substandard equipment. Healthcare organizations should also establish protocols for reporting, investigating, and replacing defective or questionable medical supplies promptly.
5. Fire Risk in Areas Where Supplemental Oxygen is in Use
Supplemental oxygen is commonly used in healthcare facilities and home settings to support patients with respiratory conditions. While oxygen therapy is essential for many, it also presents a heightened fire risk.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over a 4 year period, an average of 228 home fires per year were caused by oxygen administration equipment with an average mortality rate of 96 people per year.
Oxygen-enriched environments significantly increase the likelihood of fires, which can spread rapidly and cause severe harm to patients, staff, and caregivers. Common ignition sources, such as open flames, electrical malfunctions, or even static electricity, can turn an oxygen-rich environment into a disaster zone.
To minimize this risk, healthcare facilities should implement strict safety protocols to prevent the three elements of the “fire triangle” —an oxidizer, a fuel, and an ignition source—from being in the same area. Proper storage and ventilation of oxygen tanks, along with staff and patient education on fire prevention, are crucial. Emergency response plans should also be regularly reviewed and practiced to ensure quick and effective action in case of a fire.
6. Dangerously Low Default Alarm Limits on Anesthesia Units
Anesthesia units are equipped with alarm systems designed to monitor patients’ vital signs during surgical procedures. These alarms provide critical alerts when a patient’s condition changes unexpectedly.
However, default alarm settings may be programmed too low (zero or close to zero), failing to detect significant deviations in a patient’s vital signs. As a result, healthcare providers may miss critical warnings, leading to delayed interventions and potential patient harm. This issue is particularly concerning in high-risk surgeries where real-time monitoring is essential for patient safety.
To prevent such risks, anesthesia providers should review and customize alarm settings with safe lower default limits for alarms. Ensuring that alarm thresholds are set correctly can improve response times and enhance patient safety during procedures. Training anesthesia teams to recognize alarm patterns and respond promptly is also essential.
7. Mishandled Temporary Holds on Medication Orders
Clinicians often place temporary holds on medication orders for various reasons, such as pending lab results or upcoming surgical procedures. While this practice is necessary in certain situations, poor management of these holds can have unintended consequences.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly 50% of all medication errors occur when a medication is prescribed or ordered.
If medication holds are not properly tracked, critical medications may be inadvertently omitted or delayed. This can lead to worsening patient conditions, particularly for those with chronic illnesses or acute infections requiring timely treatment. Communication gaps involving uncertainty regarding hold errors between healthcare providers can further increase the likelihood of adverse events.
To address this issue, healthcare organizations should implement clear protocols for managing medication holds. Electronic health records should feature automated alerts to remind clinicians of held orders, ensuring that medications are resumed appropriately. Regular reviews of held orders and interdisciplinary communication can help prevent lapses in patient care.
8. Infection Risks and Tripping Hazards from Poorly Managed Infusion Lines
Infusion therapy is a cornerstone of modern medicine, delivering essential fluids and medications to patients in hospitals and home settings. However, poor management of infusion lines can lead to serious safety hazards.
Improperly organized or unsecured infusion lines increase the risk of contamination, potentially causing bloodstream infections.
The NIH found that central line-associated bloodstream infections are associated with over 28,000 deaths annually.
Additionally, tangled or misplaced tubing can create tripping hazards for both patients and staff, leading to falls and injuries.
To enhance safety, healthcare facilities should establish standardized protocols for organizing and securing infusion lines. Regular staff training on proper line management, combined with periodic audits, can help maintain compliance and reduce infection risks. Using designated pathways for tubing and ensuring clear floor space can also minimize tripping hazards.
9. Skin Injuries from Medical Adhesive Products
Medical adhesives are widely used to secure devices such as catheters, dressings, and monitoring equipment to patients’ skin. While they serve an essential purpose, prolonged or improper use can cause significant skin injuries.
Patients, particularly the elderly or those with fragile skin, may experience irritation, allergic reactions, or even tissue damage from adhesives. Repeated application and removal of adhesives without proper technique can exacerbate these issues, leading to painful skin conditions and even infections.
An analysis of 14 studies found that 16%-25% of adult inpatients experienced a medical adhesive-related skin injury.
To minimize these risks, clinicians should assess patients’ skin condition before applying adhesives and select appropriate adhesive products based on individual needs. Regular monitoring for signs of irritation, along with gentle removal techniques, can prevent unnecessary skin damage. Educating staff on best practices for adhesive use can further enhance patient safety.
10. Incomplete Investigations of Infusion System Incidents
Healthcare organizations are keen on investigating technology-related adverse events to prevent recurrence. However, investigating infusion systems can be especially challenging due to multiple potential contributing factors.
Incomplete investigations of infusion system incidents can leave underlying problems unresolved, increasing the risk of repeated errors and potential patient harm. Factors such as pump malfunctions, dosing errors, or software glitches may go unaddressed without a comprehensive review process.
To improve patient safety, healthcare organizations should be sure to examine infusion pump hardware and software, IV administration sets, and other accessories to ensure thorough evaluation of potential contributing factors. Conducting root cause analyses, involving multidisciplinary teams, and implementing corrective actions can help prevent future incidents. A culture of transparency and learning from past mistakes is also essential in ensuring safer infusion therapy practices.
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