ECRI releases list of Top 10 Healthcare Technology Hazards for 2026
ECRI has published a new whitepaper, titled “Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2026 Executive Brief.” This is the 18th consecutive year ECRI has released this report, a tool for health systems to navigate technology risks.
Topping the list is artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, particularly their misuse in healthcare. ECRI warns that while AI can be beneficial for rapid healthcare answers, it can also provide incorrect information, compromising safety. ECRI defines hazard as “a device or system fault, design feature, or method of use that might, under certain circumstances, place patients or users at risk.”
The official list of hazards is as follows:
1. The misuse of AI chatbots in healthcare
2. Unpreparedness for a “digital darkness” event
3. The growing challenge of combating substandard and falsified medical products
4. Recall communication failures for home diabetes management technologies
5. Tubing misconnections remain a threat amid slow ENFit and NRFit adoption
6. Underutilizing medication safety technologies in perioperative settings
7. Deficient device cleaning instructions continue to endanger patients
8. Cybersecurity risks from legacy medical devices
9. Technology designs or configurations that prompt unsafe clinical workflows
10. Water quality issues during instrument sterilization
ECRI also includes additional reading for healthcare professionals to further help them prepare for technology incidents.
