Diagnostic error, opioid safety, engagement among top U.S. patient safety concerns for 2018

The ECRI Institute, a non-profit patient care research organization, listed its Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns for Healthcare Organizations in 2018 based on an assessment of two million patient safety events. It identifies concerns that might be high priorities due to new risks or existing concerns that are changing because of new technology or care delivery models. ECRI Institute suggested healthcare providers use this list as a starting point for launching patient safety discussions and setting priorities at their own facilities:

1. Diagnostic errors;
2. Opioid safety across the continuum of care;
3. Internal care coordination;
4. Workarounds;
5. Incorporating health IT into patient safety programs;
6. Management of behavioral health needs in acute care settings;
7. All-hazards emergency preparedness;
8. Device cleaning, disinfection and sterilization;
9. Patient engagement and health literacy; and
10. Leadership engagement in patient safety.