The latest annual report from ECRI and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) identifies the top 10 patient safety concerns for 2025, with a strong emphasis on emerging risks related to technology, misinformation, and healthcare disparities.

At the forefront of this year’s list is the risk of dismissing patient, family, and caregiver concerns. The report highlights that many patients experience what is often referred to as “medical gaslighting,” where their symptoms are minimized or ignored, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses. ECRI recommends that healthcare organizations prioritize patient-centered communication and address cognitive biases among clinicians to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient trust.

Governance of AI ranks second on the list. While AI-driven tools have potential benefits, such as improving efficiency and clinical decision-making, concerns about bias, transparency, and data security remain. A lack of oversight could lead to misdiagnoses and patient harm. ECRI advises organizations to establish AI governance policies and involve multidisciplinary teams in evaluating AI applications.
Another significant concern is the rapid spread of medical misinformation, which can lead to patients forgoing effective treatments or adopting harmful practices. Social media plays a significant role in amplifying false health claims, making health literacy initiatives critical. ECRI calls on healthcare leaders to engage communities, partner with trusted public figures, and provide clear, evidence-based health information.

Cybersecurity threats continue to pose risks to patient care, with breaches leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment disruptions. The report notes that cyberattacks against healthcare institutions have increased, compromising access to critical medical records and leading to financial losses. ECRI recommends healthcare facilities integrate cybersecurity strategies into their risk management plans and ensure staff receive adequate training.

The 2025 concerns in ranked order are:

• Dismissing patient, family, and caregiver concerns
• Insufficient governance of artificial intelligence
• Spread of medical misinformation
• Cybersecurity breaches
• Caring for veterans in non-military health settings
• Substandard and falsified drugs
• Diagnostic error in cancers, vascular events, and infections
• Healthcare-associated infections in long-term care facilities
• Inadequate coordination during patient discharge
• Deteriorating working conditions in community pharmacies

ECRI’s report serves as a call to action for healthcare organizations to implement systemwide safety improvements. By addressing these concerns proactively, providers can reduce preventable harm and improve patient outcomes.

Back to HCB News

U.S. Healthcare Homepage