Chani’s Take: Telehealth poses big cybersecurity dangers, Harvard researchers warn

Telehealth poses big cybersecurity dangers, Harvard researchers warn

I have a confession! I love telehealth, but cybersecurity vulnerabilities worry me. Thanks to the COVID pandemic, telemedicine is increasingly becoming mainstream. Telemedicine is when healthcare and services and health-related information are shared and distributed over electronic and telecommunication technologies. It is beneficial for patients that do not live near a healthcare organization to receive health services such as diagnostic, follow on care, or acute care. As the usage of this medium increases, so do concerns regarding their cyber safety. Cybersecurity experts are raising questions about how telemedicine will affect consumers’ security and privacy. With the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology agreeing to waive potential HIPAA penalties allowed for lifted restrictions on communication apps such as Zoom and Skype for telemedicine. These apps make it easier for consumers to receive health data, but cybersecurity experts are concerned about protecting data. Besides, there are frequent warnings from government agencies about possible cyberattacks in the healthcare sector. Researchers of this topic have developed a plan to help prevent safety and privacy breaches due to telemedicine. The researchers advise consumers to have awareness and for employees to look for attempted cyber breaches or threats. They also advise consumers to transition from common conferencing apps to healthcare-specific products. They believe enterprise-grade software may include security features to help ensure data protection. The understanding of how telemedicine affects cybersecurity is critical. It provides consumers with knowledge that will be beneficial to them as they research health options. Cyber breaches of data can and will take away consumers’ privacy. It is paramount for consumers to address health-related issues using telemedicine, but safely and securely.

This is a commentary of Telehealth poses big cybersecurity dangers, Harvard researchers warn by Kat Jercich

https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/telehealth-poses-big-cybersecurity-dangers-harvard-researchers-warn

Chani’s Take: Digital health apps turned into crisis hotlines: Companies struggle to respond

I have a confession…I didn’t think about how the broad adoption of mobile technology for virtual visits would be used for a cry of help from suicide patients or domestic violence victims.

However, it makes sense. Consumers download apps on their mobile devices for everyday tasks such as shopping, banking, or ordering food. Even more, consumers download health apps to monitor their weight, physical activity or to connect with medical professionals. According to the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Sciences, there are 318,000 apps dedicated to mHealth. Since the demand is there, it is paramount to understand how consumers are using these tools. If patients are using these platforms in ways, we never considered, it is worthwhile to review current procedures and practices. For example, in my hospital, we have 72 hours to respond to a secure message. Perhaps, this is adequate, but it may be advantageous to review current guidelines to ensure patient safety.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/digital-health-apps-turned-to-crisis-hotlines-companies-struggle-to-respond.html

Professional Lackadaisicalness

What a long and funny looking word to spell. I used it because it reminds me of what my grandmother would often say to me while growing up.  She would say “Don’t be so lackadaisical.” when I would not put my best effort into my homework.  I use the term here to denote a sense of professional settling, ceasing to strive to be better in my work space.

In my social life, I generally do not associate with folks with whom I don’t have something in common.  I either hang out with friends I’ve made through work, folks I’ve made through participating in my various hobbies, neighbors, or family members.

I was reflecting on how this relates to my choice of employers?  For those of you who have the flexibility to choose for whom you work, do you mostly choose the employer that best aligns to your personal beliefs and goals?

I am in the military and I get it. For those of us in this same or a similar situation, we can’t easily shift positions because our influence regarding for whom we work can be very limited.  But what about when it comes time to leave military service or look for a new job?

I do not think it is overly idealistic to not work for an employer that lacks the same professional values that I have. As I was watching the movie Unbreakable by M. Night Shyamalan a few days ago, I immediately identified with Bruce Willis’s character when he realized that he would never be happy unless he was doing what he felt he was meant to do in life. It is not that I believe in destiny, that there is but one path that we are bound to take, but rather, I do not feel a sense of fulfillment if I am not making the professional contributions that I feel inspired to.

Understanding that this perception may be mine alone, I am curious as to what others think regarding the idea of professional lackadaisicalness, or professional setting.  Please share your thoughts and let’s have a discussion around this.

Playing in Dirt is Good for the Soul

I have a confession…oftentimes when I am at home, I do not touch a piece of technology. I do not watch TV, touch my computer, or even look at my phone. Instead, I enjoy vegetable gardening. Something about dirt, water, and nature appeals to me versus computers, networks, and technology. I think I like the simplicity of it.

Does your hobby reflect your career field?

What say you?

5G Possibilities in Healthcare

5G image

I have a confession…after spending a week at the Healthcare Information Management System Society (HIMSS) Conference, one of the prevalent themes were 5G and its capabilities. However, I had no idea what that meant other than watching cat videos without buffering. It did not resonate with me until I sat in a focus group with a AT&T representative and Dr. Shafiq Rab, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Rush Medical Center to understand what new  capabilities this technology can bring to the medical field. Rush Medical Center aims to be first hospital in  the U.S. to use standards-based 5G. Telecommunication companies are looking at beyond traditional networks, fiber, and the usual connectivity hardware. They are looking at augmenting and eventually replacing the traditional network backbone with cellular technology.

Mind blown.  Why?  Because as a teenage in the 90’s, I still remember saying 20 times a day, “do you hear me now?”I still do not get a good cellular signal on major interstates. And my connection  is sketchy when I am downloading a coupon from local stores. However, once the infrastructure is installed and medical devices are capable of transmitting through this medium, we can really improve current problems of packet availability and bandwidth limitations. #CHIME position is well stated . The rest of us need to consider the full realm of possibilities.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/chime-to-senate-there-s-no-question-5g-will-improve-healthcare-access-efficiency.html