ECRI Report Lists Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns In 2026

The Emergency Care Research Institute and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices released the “Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns for 2026” report, which highlights growing systemwide risks, with AI-driven diagnostic errors, workforce pressures, rural access challenges and emergency department boarding among the most urgent issues. According to the ECRI report, preventable adverse events in U.S. hospitals cost an estimated $17.1 billion each year.

These findings reinforce that patient safety depends on strong leadership, transparent reporting and a culture of learning — not just technology. As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services implements updates to the Patient Safety Structural Measure, Missouri hospitals can leverage the Missouri Hospital Association’s tools, education and Patient Safety Dashboard to strengthen safety systems and reduce preventable harm statewide.