Multiple infection-related issues earn places and mentions in ECRI's annual list of top 10 health technology hazards, according to a news release.
Coming in at #4 is imported N95-style masks, which ECRI notes may fail to protect healthcare workers from infectious respiratory diseases. An executive brief for the "Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2021" report elaborates, stating, "ECRI testing through December 2020 found that, of the imported non-NIOSH-certified respirator alternatives tested, more than 60% failed to filter airborne particles as well as claimed."
At #6 is ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, with ECRI noting that rushed deployment of UV disinfection devices can reduce effectiveness and increase exposure risks. The executive brief states, "If not used properly, UV disinfection devices may not deliver a high enough dose to inactivate microorganisms, leaving individuals at risk of exposure to infectious pathogens."
ECRI also called attention to infection and infectious disease risks associated with two other hazards on the list. At #9 is remote operation of medical devices designed for bedside use, which ECRI notes can introduce insidious risks. One of the concerns with such operation: "Infection risks associated with increased connection points on infusion tubing or with compromised patient isolation (e.g., if cables are channeled through an ajar door)."
At #10 is 3D printing quality, with ECRI explaining that insufficient quality assurance of 3D-printed patient-specific medical devices may harm patients. Concerning infection, ECRI notes, "The use of an improperly created 3D-printed device could lead to procedure delays, surgical complications, infection, or patient injury."
The hazards taking the top three spots on the 2021 list are:
Emergency use authorization (EUA) device management: Complexity of managing medical devices with COVID-19 EUA
Drug name auto-display: Fatal medication errors can result when drug entry fields populate after only a few letters
Telehealth adoption: Rapid adoption of telehealth technologies can leave patients and data at risk
The 2020 top hazards list included sterile processing errors, central venous catheter risk in at-home hemodialysis, and surgical stapler misuse.