Which term refers to the unexpected results that arise from using a device or adopting health IT?

The term that refers to the unexpected results stemming from the use of a device or the adoption of health IT is "unintended consequences." This concept is crucial in the field of health informatics because it highlights the fact that while technology is designed to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes, it can also lead to outcomes that were not anticipated by its users or developers.

For instance, implementing an electronic health record (EHR) system might streamline patient data management, but it could also introduce new challenges such as data entry errors or increased clinician workload due to the learning curve involved in using the new system. Understanding unintended consequences is vital for healthcare organizations to mitigate risks and enhance the benefits of health technologies.

In contrast, the other terms do not fit this context. Expected outcomes refer to the anticipated benefits or results of adopting a technology, while operational results denote the metrics related to the day-to-day functioning of health IT. Predicted effects are similar to expected outcomes but imply a more formal analysis that forecasts outcomes based on previous data. Each of these terms addresses different aspects of health IT but does not encompass the concept of surprise or unforeseen results, which is what unintended consequences captures.