February 1, 2024- Most medical devices are designed for use by healthcare professionals in a controlled clinical environment. An ECRI report has determined that one of the most pressing health technology safety hazards for 2024 are for patients and caregivers using medical devices at home. Reflecting industry trends, the report also includes multiple concerns related to artificial intelligence (AI) and data security.
Evidence shows that more people are receiving medical care at home as the U.S. population ages and the number of adults living with chronic conditions increases. As a result, medical devices such as infusion pumps and ventilators are now being used in the home, sometimes by caregivers and patients who have not been sufficiently trained.
ECRI researchers have encountered numerous examples of patient harm from home-use devices. Medication errors can occur when changing infusion pumps. Skin injuries can occur when the electrodes from a cardiac monitor are applied incorrectly. Fatalities can occur if a home ventilator alarm fails to activate or goes unheard, or if the venous needle becomes dislodged during use of a hemodialysis machine.