Convergence of IT and Medical Devices, and Impact on Patient Safety

James P. Keller, Jr., M.S., VP, Health Technology Evaluation and Safety, ECRI Institute. Medical devices and information technology are rapidly converging to the point where it will soon be difficult to tell the difference between a computer and a medical device. This convergence raises many new safety concerns and new opportunities to improve patient safety. The process of achieving and maintaining successful and safe convergence can be challenging and requires a significant change in hospital processes at many levels. This presentation outlines the patient safety impact of medical device and information technology convergence. It also reviews key steps that healthcare facilities can take to ensure that it they are getting maximum benefit from their converging medical and information technologies, the associated communication interfaces, and the resultant changes in work processes.