Top technology issues for ambulatory care facilities this year and beyond

Abstract

ECRI Institute medical technology experts (i.e., biomedical engineers, patient safety experts, physicians, and research scientists) compiled a list of important technology-related issues that executives and clinical leaders at ambulatory care facilities should pay close attention to this year. The list presents several high-profile technologies in the context of the convergence of critical economic, patient safety, reimbursement, and regulatory pressures. Guidance is provided about key considerations regarding adoption and implementation of electronic medical records, high-end computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging technology, the convergence of health information technology and medical technologies highlighting integrated patient alarm systems as a case in point, physician preference items such as cardiac stents, robotic-assisted technology for minimally invasive procedures, image-guided radiation technologies, and the role of radiofrequency identification technology.