Each year, ECRI releases its influential Top 10 Health Technology Hazards Report, a trusted resource for healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, and regulatory agencies. Now in its 18th year, this report identifies and prioritizes emerging safety risks in healthcare technology, providing actionable recommendations for organizations to mitigate potential dangers. For 2025, one of the critical safety topics highlighted is “Infection Risks and Tripping Hazards from Poorly Managed Infusion Lines”—a challenge hospitals can no longer afford to overlook.
Infusion lines are vital for patient care, but poor management can lead to serious patient harm. Risks like healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and tripping hazards caused by lines touching the floor have been identified as significant threats to both patient safety and staff well-being. According to ECRI, failure to address these risks can result in longer hospital stays, increased patient morbidity, staff injuries, and operational inefficiencies.
At the forefront of solutions for this problem is the Beata Clasp, a simple yet transformative tool designed to streamline line management and enhance safety in healthcare settings. Here’s why this innovation is a must-have for hospitals in 2025.
ECRI’s Findings: The Hidden Dangers of Poor Line Management
ECRI highlights several dangers posed by poorly managed infusion lines, including:
-
Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs):
- Pathogens can enter connectors and lines if proper disinfection protocols are not followed.
- Environmental contaminants may infect the insertion site or tubing if sterility is compromised.
- Medication or solution contamination during preparation or use can lead to severe consequences.
HAIs significantly increase patient morbidity and mortality rates, leading to longer hospital stays and added healthcare costs. As ECRI states:
“To minimize these risks, healthcare workers should follow infection control best practices, including aseptic techniques and transmission-based precautions.”
-
Tripping Hazards:
- Infusion lines left on the floor create a tripping risk for both patients and staff.
- Accidental falls can result in dislodged lines, leading to delays in treatment or additional patient harm.
ECRI emphasizes the need for healthcare facilities to adopt catheter securement products to keep lines off the floor and reduce dislodgement risks.
The Beata Clasp: A Proven Solution
The Beata Clasp was designed to directly address these safety concerns. By securely organizing infusion lines and keeping them elevated, this tool prevents contamination and reduces tripping hazards. Here’s how The Beata Clasp supports ECRI’s recommendations:
- Infection Prevention: Keeps lines and connectors off contaminated surfaces, reducing exposure to environmental pathogens.
- Enhanced Safety: Eliminates tripping hazards by maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
- Staff Efficiency: Enables healthcare workers to quickly trace lines, reducing interruptions and enhancing workflow.
Incorporating tools like The Beata Clasp into hospital protocols can significantly reduce the risks highlighted by ECRI, improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Call to Action: Don’t Wait to Address These Risks
ECRI’s 2025 report serves as a call to action for healthcare organizations to address these urgent safety hazards. As they emphasize:
“By identifying these risks early, healthcare providers and manufacturers can take proactive steps to minimize harm, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall safety and reliability of healthcare systems.”
With The Beata Clasp, your hospital can proactively align with ECRI’s recommendations, ensuring a safer environment for both patients and staff. This small investment can lead to significant improvements in safety, compliance, and efficiency.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait for an adverse event to trigger change. Equip your staff with The Beata Clasp and make patient safety your top priority in 2025. Learn more about our innovative line management solutions here or contact us at contact@beataclasp.com to schedule a demo.