ECRI used its experience in investigating device-related incidents and information from medical-device reporting databases to develop the list. Order was determined by information gathered over the past year, including the likelihood of the severity of the reports, recall information and examination of published literature, according to the report.
Cross-contamination from flexible endoscopes was listed as the number one technology hazards for 2010, due to numerous reports in the media and the large number of patients potentially affected by the event, according to the report. Failure to follow established cleaning and sterilization procedures was cited as the most common cause of cross-contamination in flexible endoscopes.
In addition to providing information about each of the hazards, the report lists ways in which healthcare providers can minimize the chance of an event occurring.
Here are the ECRI’s top 10 technology hazards for 2010:
1. Cross contamination from flexible endoscopes
2. Alarm hazards (failure to communicate alarm conditions)
3. Surgical fires
4. CT radiation dose
5. Retained devices and unretrieved fragments
6. Needlesticks or other sharps injuries
7. Problems with computerized equipment and systems
8. Surgical stapler hazards (improper stapler positioning, uneven distribution, etc.)
9. Ferromagnetic objects in MR environment
10. Fiberoptic light-source burns
To receive a copy of the ECRI’s 2010 Top 10 Technology Hazards, click here (registration required).
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