ECRI recently released its 2026 Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns, highlighting emerging risks that healthcare leaders should prioritize to prevent patient harm. ECRI developed the list through analysis of incident investigations, device testing, and expert review, with the goal of helping healthcare organizations proactively identify and mitigate risks before they lead to patient harm.
The List for 2026
1. Navigating the AI Diagnostic Dilemma
2. Reduced Access to Rural Healthcare Increases Health Risks and Disparities
3. Increasing Rates of Preventable Acute Diseases in Communities and Healthcare Settings
4. Effects of Federal Funding Cuts on Healthcare Operations and Patient Safety
5. Lack of Recognition and Reporting of Harm Events
6. Structural and Systemic Barriers Inhibit Equitable Pain Management for Women
7. Persistent Workforce Shortages Continue to Burden Staff and Restrict Access to Care
8. The Impact on System Improvement When a Culture of Blame Hinders Learning
9. Emergency Department Boarding Contributes to Worse Patient Outcomes
10. Persistent Gaps in Manufacturer Packaging and Labeling Design Continue to Undermine
Medication Safety Efforts