ECRI (formerly the Emergency Care Research Institute) is a nonprofit health services research agency and a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization (WHO). It is designated as an Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. ECRI`s mission is to promote the highest standards of safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness in healthcare to benefit patient care through research, publishing, education and consulting. For nearly 40 years, ECRI has been widely recognized as one of the world`s leading independent organizations committed to advancing the quality of healthcare.

ECRI`s focus is healthcare technology, healthcare risk and quality management, patient safety improvement and healthcare environmental management. It provides information services and technical assistance to more than 5,000 hospitals, healthcare organizations, ministries of health, government and planning agencies, voluntary sector organizations, associations, and accrediting agencies worldwide. Its more than 30 databases, publications, information services, and technical assistance services set the standard for the healthcare community.

ECRI`s services alert readers to healthcare system and technology-related hazards with strategies to correct them; disseminate the results of medical product evaluations and health technology assessments; provide expert advice on technology acquisitions, staffing, and management; report on hazardous materials management policy and practices; and supply authoritative information on risk control in healthcare facilities and clinical practice guidelines and standards.

Reprinted with Permission from www.fda.gov