ECRI’s 2025 report on patient safety concerns provides an overview of the most pressing risks in healthcare. The report, developed in collaboration with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), identifies ten key areas where systemic improvements are needed to prevent harm and enhance care quality. These concerns range from the impact of medical misinformation to the governance of artificial intelligence in healthcare, highlighting the necessity for proactive strategies and leadership commitment. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that integrates policy reforms, organisational changes and patient engagement to enhance overall healthcare safety. Each concern presented in the report reflects an urgent need for targeted interventions to minimise risks and promote better patient outcomes.
Dismissing Patient, Family and Caregiver Concerns
One of the primary concerns outlined in the report is the risk of dismissing patient, family and caregiver concerns. In high-pressure healthcare environments, where providers face increasing patient loads and complex medical cases, there is a risk of overlooking or minimising patient-reported symptoms. This phenomenon, often referred to as medical gaslighting, can lead to delayed diagnoses and inappropriate treatments, impacting overall patient well-being. Cognitive biases, time constraints and systemic inefficiencies contribute to this challenge, making it essential for healthcare organisations to implement structured processes that prioritise patient engagement and feedback.
Establishing robust communication strategies, ensuring staff training on empathetic listening and developing clear patient feedback mechanisms can help address this issue effectively. In addition, fostering an environment where healthcare professionals are encouraged to reassess initial judgments and consult with colleagues can reduce diagnostic errors. A collaborative approach that integrates family and caregiver perspectives into medical decision-making is crucial for ensuring that patient concerns are acknowledged and addressed appropriately.
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Insufficient Governance of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
The rapid integration of AI into clinical decision-making, diagnostics and administrative functions presents both opportunities and risks. While AI can enhance efficiency and accuracy, the lack of robust governance frameworks has been identified as a major concern. Issues such as algorithmic bias, transparency gaps and inadequate oversight mechanisms can lead to errors that compromise patient safety, increasing the likelihood of misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatments.
The ECRI report calls for comprehensive governance policies, interdisciplinary oversight committees and ongoing monitoring of AI-driven decisions to mitigate risks. Ensuring that AI tools are used ethically and effectively will require clear regulatory guidelines, continuous evaluation of their impact on healthcare delivery and a commitment to addressing potential disparities caused by biased algorithms. Furthermore, educating healthcare professionals on the limitations and appropriate use of AI technologies is vital to ensuring they are utilised as supportive tools rather than definitive decision-makers. Regular auditing of AI systems, incorporating diverse datasets to enhance accuracy and implementing patient consent protocols for AI-assisted diagnoses can further improve governance in this area. AI should be leveraged to enhance clinical decision-making rather than replace human expertise, ensuring that healthcare providers remain at the centre of patient care.
The Spread of Medical Misinformation and Health Literacy Challenges
The proliferation of medical misinformation, particularly on digital platforms, poses a growing threat to patient safety. False health claims can lead patients to seek ineffective or even harmful treatments while avoiding evidence-based medical care. Misinformation spreads rapidly, exacerbated by social media algorithms that prioritise engagement over accuracy. To combat this issue, healthcare institutions must invest in health literacy initiatives, provide clear and accessible medical information and engage with communities to dispel myths. Inaccurate health information can erode trust in medical professionals, leading to reluctance in seeking care and increasing the risk of poor health outcomes.
Digital platforms play a significant role in amplifying misleading health claims, making it essential for healthcare organisations to collaborate with technology companies, public health agencies and policymakers to establish stricter regulations on health-related content. Addressing misinformation also requires healthcare professionals to develop effective communication strategies, equipping them with the skills to counter false claims respectfully and accurately. Providing patients with resources that enhance their ability to evaluate health information critically, such as validated health literacy tools and trusted online sources, can help mitigate the impact of misinformation. Encouraging patients to discuss health-related concerns with their providers and promoting media literacy can further strengthen their ability to make informed decisions about their care.
ECRI’s 2025 report underscores the evolving challenges in patient safety and the need for targeted interventions to address these risks. Whether through improving patient-provider communication, strengthening AI governance or tackling medical misinformation, healthcare leaders must take proactive steps to enhance safety and trust. By adopting a total systems approach to safety, organisations can develop sustainable solutions that not only mitigate risks but also drive meaningful improvements in patient care outcomes. Implementing structured, evidence-based interventions in these areas will ensure that healthcare institutions can navigate the complexities of modern healthcare while maintaining patient safety as a top priority.
The findings from the report highlight the necessity for continuous vigilance, interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety within all healthcare settings. Addressing these patient safety concerns requires not only the development of innovative solutions but also an ongoing evaluation of their effectiveness in reducing harm and improving overall healthcare quality.
Source: ECRI
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