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Artificial Intelligence Emerges as Leading Health Technology Hazard in 2025

ECRI, a renowned global nonprofit dedicated to healthcare safety, has released its anticipated annual report, identifying the most pressing health technology hazards for 2025. This year's report places artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront, underscoring its significant implications for patient safety and care quality. The report emphasizes that while AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enhancing efficiency and patient outcomes, it also introduces substantial risks that could adversely affect patients if not adequately scrutinized and controlled.

AI's applications in healthcare have broadened considerably, evolving from initial uses in medical imaging to now influencing numerous areas including diagnostics, documentation, and appointment scheduling. The implications of AI extend beyond traditional medical devices; even systems not classified as medical devices can greatly impact patient treatment, according to ECRI's analysis.

Dr. Marcus Schabacker, the president and CEO of ECRI, notes, "The promise of AI's capabilities must not overshadow its inherent risks or its potential to harm patients and healthcare providers. Achieving a balance between innovation and privacy, as well as safety, will represent one of the most challenging and defining pursuits in contemporary medicine."

The Challenges of AI in Healthcare

The report reveals significant concerns regarding AI systems, including their propensity to generate misleading results — often referred to as "hallucinations" in the AI lexicon — highlighting the variable quality of their outputs across diverse patient demographics. Furthermore, these AI models may reinforce existing biases present in their training data, which poses substantial risks for marginalized communities.

"AI is only as reliable as the data utilized and the regulations overseeing its deployment," Dr. Schabacker emphasizes. He warns that healthcare leaders and stakeholders must approach the integration of AI technology with a diligent mindset, similar to how they would regard any new healthcare innovation.

Notable Hazards and Ongoing Risks

The ECRI report does not solely focus on AI, but also sheds light on various other technology hazards encountered in both home care and clinical settings. It enumerates significant risks that need urgent attention:
1. AI-enabled health technologies – Known challenges and new vulnerabilities that threaten quality care.
2. Unfulfilled technology support needs – Particularly for patients in home care.
3. Cybersecurity threats – Challenges posed by vulnerable technology vendors.
4. Counterfeit medical devices and supplies – Risks associated with substandard or fraudulent products in the market.
5. Fire hazards – Particularly those arising from supplemental oxygen use.
6. Low default alarm limits – Leading to potentially critical oversights in anesthesia units.
7. Medication mishaps – Related to improperly managed temporary holds on medication orders.
8. Infusion line management issues – Risks associated with poorly managed intravenous lines.
9. Negative effects of medical adhesives – Use of harmful adhesive products.
10. Incomplete incident investigations – Pertaining to infusion systems.

Moving Forward: Mitigating Risks

ECRI's comprehensive report serves as a pivotal resource, equipping healthcare organizations with explicit strategies to address and reduce the risks associated with these identified hazards. ECRI members can access the full report detailing proactive measures for enhancing patient safety, while a summarized executive brief is available free for download.

Moreover, to facilitate open dialogue on these pressing issues, ECRI is hosting a public webcast on December 5, where a panel of healthcare safety and medical device experts will discuss the implications of these hazards for patient care and operational efficiency. Interested participants can register for the session through the ECRI website.

For over 18 years, ECRI's Top 10 Health Technology Hazards report has become instrumental for hospitals, health systems, and manufacturers to identify and mitigate risks in the healthcare landscape. As a leader in healthcare quality and safety, ECRI continues to advocate for a more secure and effective healthcare environment, emphasizing the importance of carefully navigating innovative technologies like AI.

About ECRI

ECRI is a not-for-profit independent organization committed to improving the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of healthcare in various settings. Recognized worldwide, ECRI provides critical evaluations and safety insights, partnering with leaders in healthcare to ensure the highest standards of patient care. Since its establishment in 2008, ECRI has maintained its dedication to fostering innovation in a responsible manner that prioritizes patient welfare above all.