Patient safety research finds ransomware, cybersecurity No. 1 patient tech. safety threat for 2018

The ECRI Institute, a U.S.-based non-profit patient safety research organization named ransomware and cybersecurity threats as the No. 1 health technology hazard for 2018. ECRI's top 10 list of health technology hazards identifies potential sources of danger involving medical devices and other health technologies that its says warrant the greatest attention for the coming year. The list for 2018:

1. Ransomware and other cybersecurity threats to healthcare delivery can endanger patients.
2. Endoscope reprocessing failures continue to expose patients to infection risk.
3. Mattresses and covers may be infected by body fluids and microbiological contaminants.
4. Missed alarms may result from inappropriately configured secondary notification devices and systems.
5. Improper cleaning may cause device malfunctions, equipment failures, and potential for patient injury.
6. Unholstered electrosurgical active electrodes can lead to patient burns.
7. Inadequate use of digital imaging tools may lead to unnecessary radiation exposure.
8. Workarounds can negate the safety advantages of bar-coded medication administration systems.
9. Flaws in medical device networking can lead to delayed or inappropriate care.
10. Slow adoption of safer enteral feeding connectors leaves patients at risk.