Five Technological Skills for Accelerating Your Healthcare Career

During the height of the pandemic hospitals were faced with an unprecedented demand for their services. At the same time, they were also forced to make do with fewer personnel than they were accustomed to as nurses and doctors resigned from their positions en masse.

For many hospitals, data implementation, and processing was a key aspect of staying afloat during Covid-19.

Since then, the relationship between digital technology and healthcare has only expanded. From digital healthcare records to data processing, and even AI-generated automation, there are now more ways than ever for people in the healthcare industry to weave tech skills into their professional life.

In this article, we take a look at five tech-related skills that people hoping to accelerate their careers in the healthcare industry should have.

Health Information Technology (HIT) Literacy

Healthcare-related records have been transiting into cyberspace for the last couple of decades. This development has had many positive impacts both for the patient— who can now access their health data any time they want it— and the hospitals, which can share relevant data in real-time as needed to expedite processes.

But there’s a flip side. Isn’t there always? When healthcare records were a physical thing, keeping them safe was straightforward. They lived in a protected room. Only authorized personnel were able to see them, and even then, all interactions were guided by HIPAA regulations.

How can you replicate that same level of security for something that exists in the vagueries of cloud-based technology?

Well, for one thing, it’s important to understand the new rules. Healthcare professionals are now expected and required to fully comprehend and comply with HIPAA regulations as they relate to digital technology.

By understanding the rules and general practices surrounding digital health, healthcare workers are able to streamline their workflows while boosting patient outcomes in the process.

Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring

Telehealth is the practice of treating patients remotely. Naturally, it isn’t a perfect fit for every situation. However, there are many circumstances in which it can be beneficial both to the patient and the hospital serving them.

On the patient end, telehealth technology makes it easy to get quick answers to simple questions. For the hospital, it allows professionals to treat a larger number of people in a shorter amount of time. Considering how bottlenecked the healthcare system is, this is an enormous boon for everyone.

However, it does require additional training and effort on the part of healthcare professionals. Modern doctors and nurses should be well-versed in the unique requirements of remote patient monitoring and telehealth consultations.

Administrators, meanwhile, should understand the world of virtual health, and be able to facilitate the needs of caregivers and patients alike.

Data Analytics and Health Informatics

We talked about the importance of data in the modern medical landscape at the beginning of this article. However, the value of having healthcare networks that are able to comprehend and leverage large datasets is difficult to overstate.

Hospitals that understand their numbers are able to maximize the impact of their resources. During Covid, this meant figuring out how to best prioritize care in the face of an enormous influx of patients. During ordinary times (such as they are in the context of a hospital) data access can help improve everything from community outreach to specific patient recommendations.

Naturally, the more specific and precise caregivers are, the better the patient outcomes are likely to be. But there is a problem. Traditional doctors and nurses aren’t necessarily well-versed in digital technology. Are there professionals out there who are adequately literate in data and health?

The answer to that question is yes. Informatics nursing combines both disciplines to equip hospitals with the skills they need to adequately serve their communities.

Administrators are also being trained in how they can use data to maximize the effectiveness of their resources and improve general workflows.

Cybersecurity Awareness

The healthcare industry is frequently the target of cybercriminals. Patient data has a significant resale value on the dark web, and cyber terrorists are also quite aware that they can create a great deal of fear with a few well-chosen healthcare-related targets.

This was made clear in the spring of 2019 when Ireland’s entire digital healthcare network was brought day for months by a group of Russian hackers.

While most people feel they are well-equipped to handle themselves safely online the reality of the situation is usually not quite so promising. It takes a significant amount of effort and training for healthcare workers to stay safe online.

Mobile Health (mHealth) and Wearable Technology

Wearable health technology has proliferated in recent years as IoT-powered wearables have grown in prominence and accessibility. These days, a significant portion of the population has access to some form of wearable health technology.

Even a Fitbit can produce meaningful health-related data that medical professionals can use to offer more precise patient care. And of course, that’s far from all that is out there. From heart monitors and pacemakers to glucose monitoring systems that hook up to smart devices, there are more ways than ever for healthcare professionals to view their patients’ information in real-time.

Mobile health monitoring is a vital skill that not only elevates the marketability of healthcare professionals but also vastly improves potential patient outcomes.

With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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Tech Investments That Are Worth It for Medical Practices

There are tech solutions out there for all kinds of business needs these days, from social media management to payroll. As a small business owner keeping an eye on expenses, knowing which tools are worth investing in isn’t always easy. The question is especially tricky for healthcare businesses, which also have to worry about issues like HIPAA when it comes to tech. Here, HealthJobsNationwide.com explains which software investments are worth it for medical providers.

Electronic Health Records Tools

Electronic health records, EHR, are the way of the future. They offer a streamlined, easy-to-manage means of compiling all patient data in one simple place. It’s easier for healthcare providers to access a patient’s full medical history within seconds. An EHR solution that is made specifically for medical practices will allow you to oversee everything from prescribing to practice management in one spot.

Cybersecurity Tools

Cybersecurity is a critical issue for medical practices, as they need to keep patient data safe from hackers, leaks, and other threats. This isn’t just a “nice to have.” Under HIPAA, it’s a must, legally. Software Testing Help includes a roundup of cybersecurity tools that can help keep your practice safe. For example, MailControl helps keep emails secure, while Comodo offers a comprehensive solution to guard against malware and other threats.

Project Management Software

Medical practices that manage multiple projects can benefit from a software solution for this specific purpose. For example, if your practice is involved in clinical trials or research, you need to differentiate between these projects. ZoHo Projects is a cloud-based solution that lets you automate tasks, assign work, and even collaborate remotely. Alternatives include Trello, which lets you color code projects, and FreshTeam, which can help with recruiting.

A PDF tool

Patient records are only one type of documentation a medical practice has. You also have everyday business paperwork, from payroll documentation to medical supplier contracts. The best format for managing these documents is usually PDF. You get password-protect PDFs, for example, boosting security. With an online tool, you can easily convert other file types like Excel and Microsoft Word to PDF. Just drag and drop the document into the tool.

Automation Platforms and Tools

A medical practice that is looking to streamline its workflow and increase efficiency may want to consider investing in an automation success platform. By implementing automation, routine administrative tasks can be performed automatically, which results in massive time efficiencies and frees up staff to focus on more important tasks, such as patient care and physician support.

This technology is specifically designed for medical workflows, ensuring the accuracy and security of patient data while reducing manual errors and data entry time. With the right automation platform, a medical practice can increase productivity and profitability, while improving overall patient satisfaction.

Website Management Tools

A website is a valuable tool for your medical practice, serving as the first point of contact for potential patients. You can use the tool to share what types of care you offer and details about your credentials, like where you went to medical school or did your residency. Experts recommend medical practice websites establish a clear brand. Perks that patients look for in medical websites are appointment scheduling, a patient portal, and online bill payment.

Time Tracking Technologies

Your medical practice likely employs many different individuals, from nurses to cleaning staff and admin team members. You want to make sure that you’re accurately tracking your employees’ time, especially if they’re paid by the hour. According to Time Analytics Software, time-tracking software makes it easy to stay on top of the details with minimal effort. Options include Time Analytics, TimeCamp, and RescueTime. Some tools also let you track holidays.

Payroll Software

Finally, you want to make sure that your hard-working employees are properly paid. Again, there are tools specifically for healthcare providers that you can use to help manage payroll. A comprehensive solution can manage employee schedules, labor distribution reporting, and more, all in line with the relevant regulations for healthcare workers. This is generally a cheaper option than outsourcing your payroll to a bookkeeper or accountant.

Improve Your Practice with Tech

Technology investments for medical practices are worth it if done strategically. By embracing these modern solutions, practitioners can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery. It is crucial to research the available options, evaluate the investment cost, and ensure adherence to regulatory standards. Technology should be a tool to enhance healthcare, not a burden. And when used correctly, it can create a more patient-centered and effective medical practice.

By : Stephanie Haywood of MyLifeBoost.com

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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4 Ways to Improve Medical Back Office Operations

The back office is the beating heart of any healthcare organization. It’s responsible for everything from administrative tasks to financial management, ensuring that the facility runs smoothly and efficiently. Yet, despite its crucial function, the back office can often feel overlooked, underutilized, or improperly managed. This blog post will discuss four effective ways to improve medical back office operations and help your healthcare facility to operate more smoothly.

Standardize Procedures

One of the most important steps in improving back office operations is standardizing procedures. Each staff member should understand their role and follow established guidelines for managing patient paperwork, billing, and more. Establishing clear procedures and protocols can create consistency in your workflow, which leads to improved accuracy and efficiency. This also ensures a standard of care that all patients can expect when visiting your facility. Creating a standard operating procedure manual can help you ensure everyone follows the same procedures, so start by outlining steps for common tasks, including scheduling appointments, patient check-ins, and processing claims.

Automate Processes

Automation is the key to increasing efficiency in the back office. Manual data entry can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Automation of tasks and processes where possible, such as scheduling appointments and processing insurance claims, can free up valuable time for employees to devote to other necessary tasks. Additionally, adopting a patient management system that incorporates automation can increase accuracy and productivity—automating billing and sending reminders to patients for example can result in fewer missed appointments and improved collections.

Integrate Technology

One of the most effective ways to improve back-office efficiency is to integrate technology into your workflow. Software solutions such as medical billing software, EHR software (such as drchrono, or Cerner) can simplify administrative tasks, while automated patient management systems or electronic payments systems can streamline financial management. The healthcare industry now offers web-based systems such as MyMedLeads, which not only has a suite of patient acquisition tools, but also serves as a communication platform for doctors and patients.

Back Office Healthcare Operations Software

The right software solutions can dramatically improve back-office operations. Rather than relying on manual processes that are prone to errors, healthcare facilities should consider implementing back office healthcare operations software. Medical billing software, for example, can help you manage financial information and payments more efficiently, resulting in fewer delays and higher collections. Medical practice management software can streamline scheduling and reduce wait times for patients. In addition to these software solutions there are modern back office healthcare platforms that provide various components (like billing, claims processing, and documentation) within the same platform, unifying workflows to increase efficiency and reduce error rates.

Implementing standardized procedures, automation, as well as technology and software solutions can all aid in boosting the efficiency and productivity of your back office operations. Healthcare facilities that successfully implement these methods will have a streamlined workflow, improved accuracy and precision, and be able to provide better quality care to patients. With the right tools and mindset, medical facilities can achieve a high level of operational success and improve their medical outcomes.

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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How Technology Helps Protect Patients’ Data More Effectively

Technological advances have made a positive mark on a variety of industries over the years. But, healthcare might be the sector that has benefitted the most. Improved tech within the industry has allowed for faster communications, life-saving procedures, and research that couldn’t be done years ago. However, there are some drawbacks in the world of tech.

Healthcare is one of the most targeted industries for cyber attacks. Hackers are constantly working to get patient information, important data, and even financial information they can use to further their personal agendas. That’s why it’s essential for those working in healthcare to protect their patients’ data.

Thankfully, technology comes to the rescue once again, making it easier than ever to keep patient data safe. If your team isn’t up-to-date with the technology being used to protect patients’ data more efficiently, it’s time to dig a little deeper into what will work best for your practice or facility.

Using the Latest Security in Healthcare Information Systems

Nowadays, there are multiple healthcare information systems used by medical staff and patients each day. Some of the most common include:

- - - Patient portals
    - Telemedicine
    - Administrative systems
    - Electronic medical records

While these systems are convenient, they all allow patients and professionals alike to enter and share electronic data. Every time that information is put online, it becomes a target for cybercriminals.

So, what can you do to prevent that sensitive data from being hacked across all systems?

Start by using the right administrative safeguards, including choosing the right security system (and working with qualified IT professionals) to prevent data loss. Second, put physical safeguards in place, including tech tools and equipment specifically designed to keep people from accessing important data. Always use HIPAA-compliant software when storing data, and if you’re sending information to other systems or even across a cloud-based service, consider using encryption to protect it while it “travels”.

Storing Documents Securely

As long as patient documents are stored in your systems, it’s your responsibility to take as many measures as possible to protect them. Working with a qualified IT team is a fantastic place to start. However, there are also steps your staff can take with each document to ensure it’s as secure as possible.

Sensitive data should always be password protected. Documents that feature personal information shouldn’t be able to be accessed by everyone — even certain members of your own staff.

Thankfully, technology has made it easy to password-protect most PDFs and other files. That’s important for both storage and sharing. It ensures that even if a certain file gets in the wrong hands, those individuals won’t be able to access the information it contains.

It’s also a good idea to invest in a secure cloud-based service that allows for password protection and allows you to create encrypted “vaults” for your documents, so the information can’t be read by anyone without the right credentials or security clearance. Thankfully, those services are becoming more common and popular within the healthcare industry thanks to the growing need for high-tech security.

If you’re storing your documents on a hard drive or internal system, make sure you’re always backing them up. While it’s essential to protect patient data from cybercriminals, it’s just as important to protect it from potential loss. Technology isn’t perfect, and accidents happen. Data loss can be devastating for any industry, and it can end up creating distrust and hesitancy in your patients when they find out their information has vanished from your system.

Don’t Rely Solely on Technology

Technology can help to streamline many different processes. Things like artificial intelligence and automation have seen huge leaps in popularity and effectiveness over the last few years. However, there’s really nothing that can replace an extra set of eyes.

If you’re transferring patient data or using templates to fill out sensitive information, don’t solely rely on information systems to get the job done. Many of today’s products use proprietary code, making it difficult to accurately transfer information from one program to another. Not only does that compromise the security of your patients’ data, but it could lead to errors in their care if the wrong information is portrayed in their files.

If you truly want to create a cybersecurity strategy that holds up against would-be hackers, it should include a combination of high-tech resources as well as human effort. Work with your facility’s IT team or consider outsourcing an IT professional to ensure your establishment is up-to-date with the latest in cybersecurity technology. Doing so will provide an extra layer of protection that will offer both you and your patients peace of mind.

Remember, patients aren’t just numbers and codes, and their information needs to be treated with respect by programs and people alike. Adopting that mindset will keep members of your team from potentially sharing sensitive data, and will create a stronger foundation against cybercriminals trying to compromise patient information.

Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, activism-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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Harnessing the Potential of Medicare Advantage Software

It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is in a period of transition. With the influx of new technology and changing regulations, providers are scrambling to keep up. Medicare Advantage software is one area that has the potential to make a big impact on provider organizations. When used correctly, it can help streamline workflow, improve communication, and provide better care for patients. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Medicare Advantage software can be used to improve your organization’s performance.

Defining “Medicare Advantage Software”

Medicare Advantage Software is a helpful technology that can provide innovative insights into our healthcare systems. This type of software collects and organizes data from different insurance carriers, such as Medicare Part A and Part B premiums. It allows providers to easily compare and predict costs when making decisions about patient care so they can provide the best possible service at an affordable price.

Additionally, it helps streamline the administrative processes associated with Medicare, taking much of the burden of the providers’ shoulders. By automating tasks such as claims submission and provider access, users can be sure their transactions are completed accurately and in a timely manner. With all these capabilities, Medicare Advantage Software is quickly becoming one of the most valuable tools for healthcare facilities today.

Potential Benefits

Medicare Advantage providers face numerous challenges when trying to stay up-to-date with their patient records and billing procedures. Fortunately, there is software available that can help them streamline the process. Through its use, providers can decrease manual effort in managing mundane and time-consuming tasks like claim submissions and payment updates, freeing up resources to focus on better patient care.

By having a detailed view of all their patients’ records in one secure location, providers can also save money on administrative costs and reduce discrepancies between care plans for improved outcomes. Moreover, adopting such software lends itself to future bespoke solutions tailored to rapid health industry changes. In short, investing in advanced Medicare advantage software offers a range of benefits that providers should seriously consider when maximizing patient care efficiency.

How to Get the Most Out of Medicare Advantage Software

Leveraging the right Medicare Advantage software can drive efficiencies, save money and help you get the most out of your Medicare Advantage plan. With endless amounts of data poured into software systems, it is critical for providers to properly utilize Medicare Advantage software solutions in order to maximize long-term patient health outcomes. Modern healthcare organizations have fully embraced the idea that a successful care delivery model comes down to the proper utilization of a comprehensive software system. It can be daunting for providers to choose which solutions will best meet their needs, but following a few core steps can ensure success.

It is important to evaluate workflow and processes within the organization and assess whether those tasks could be better completed with technology; if so, what options exist? Do demos, ask top questions such as “What’s included in implementation and training services?” and explore references supplemented by customer reviews before settling on a final choice. Knowing how to take full advantage of modern healthcare technologies, such as that from Back Office Healthcare Operations Software, will continue to give any organization an edge in our rapidly changing medical landscape.

In conclusion, Medicare Advantage software offers a range of benefits that providers should seriously consider when maximizing patient care efficiency. By leveraging the right technology and properly utilizing it within their organization, healthcare organizations can save money on administrative costs while also providing better outcomes for patients. Be sure to compare programs and ask any questions you have to ensure you’re picking the right software for your practice.

Rachelle Wilber
Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachelle-Wilber/100009221637700/

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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4 Ways Data Analytics in Healthcare Can Help Healthcare Administrators Work More Effectively

Data as a concept can be a little mysterious for people who don’t use it regularly. We all know about Big Data. How it’s here whether we like it or not, and how it’s made our YouTube ads a whole lot more specific than they used to be.

But in the hospital setting, data saves lives. In this article, we look at how people with hospital administrator careers are using data to change the way hospitals are run.

What is Data-Driven Decision Making?

Data-driven decision-making isn’t about having algorithms take the helm at your hospital. It’s more about speeding up a process that was already in place. Good administrators have always led by learning. With data, it’s simply easier to understand what has been learned.

The numbers paint a much clearer picture than intuition ever could. You might suspect, for example, that last year your cardiovascular services lagged behind their potential. A look at the numbers will tell you how much they lagged, and maybe even help answer the question of why. It’s not perfect. Certainly, it isn’t magic. But for administrators that want to do their job as well as they can, it is transformative.

Understanding the Hospital

From a strictly administrative perspective, data can make it easier to understand, and therefore effectively run the hospital. Here’s a situation that many hospitals are currently facing: high turnover rates. Skeleton crews. Five people doing the work of ten.

You’ve heard about this, of course. Nursing shortages. The great resignation as some call it. The hospital administrator might not be responsible for solving this crisis, but they will need to know how to work with it.

When you can only do so much, how do you direct your resources? Data can help shine a light on where the greatest sources of need are. Using that information, administrators can make the most of what they have, helping to guarantee a higher impact.

This was particularly impactful during the height of the pandemic. There weren’t nearly enough hospital beds. Ventilators? PPE? Hand sanitizer, for goodness sake! Healthcare systems just didn’t have these things, at least not in a serviceable quantity.

It took a tremendous level of ingenuity to keep things running the way they needed to. And therein lies the magic of data. The numbers couldn’t magically summon more resources, but they could help administrators decide how to use them.

Of course, data doesn’t need a pandemic to be useful. Administrators can also use the numbers for smaller things. How much ink and toner should we order? What do our utility bills look like relative to historical numbers? Nuts and bolts stuff that, while not as urgent or desperate as the pandemic felt, are critical to keeping the hospital effective.

Understanding the Community

Hospitals may mostly look the same from the outside, but to be truly effective they need to cultivate the care they provide specifically to the needs of the community. So many variables can crop up that create sweeping health impacts for most or all people living in a geographical area.

Maybe there is a paper mill that has negatively impacted the quality of drinking water. Or lead pipes that shed harmful materials. A factory polluting the air, etc.

It doesn’t even need to be a scandalous issue. Some communities struggle more with diabetes or obesity. Others have exorbitant rates of vaccine hesitancy. Then there is the rural plight. Hospitals that service enormous geographical locations.

What percent of people are participating in preventative care? Is anything at all being done to alleviate the transportation-induced struggle of healthcare?

In other words, there are a million questions that data can answer. Using the numbers, an astute administrator can help shape a hospital into exactly what the community needs it to be.

Forecasting the Future

Data is good but it isn’t magic. Analytic-produced forecasting is kind of like the weather report. Good enough to make plans by but also highly subject to change. Nevertheless, looking back into the past helps administrators see patterns that can directly influence their behavior in the future.

Using hospital records, they can determine what services need the most attention. Where they should channel their efforts to deliver the highest possible level of care.

Contextualizing the Past

Finally, data is a great way to perform a highly nuanced post-mortem on the previous year. What was done well? What wasn’t? The numbers don’t lie. Administrators can help identify issues within the hospital by holding the microscope up to the past.

In fact, this is data’s cleanest and most dependable application. Using it to make decisions for the future is fine — good even — but it will always be done under a cloud of uncertainty. When it comes to reviewing the past, the skies are clear. You see everything, and you learn from it.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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$16M: The Record Breaking Cost of a Data Breach

Anthem is being held accountable, to the tune of a record breaking $16,000,000, for cyber attacks that compromised protected health information.

Anthem is being held accountable, to the tune of a record breaking $16,000,000, for cyber attacks that compromised protected health information in the largest health data breach in U.S. history.

The staggering payment, which will be made to the Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, is to settle HIPAA violations that results after a series of cyberattacks led to close to 79 million people having their health data stolen. This is the largest settlement related to a data breach, towering over the previous high of $5.5M.

Indianapolis-based Anthem, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is one of the largest healthcare entities and the nation’s second-largest health insurer, providing coverage to one in eight Americans through its health plans, making it a desirable target for hackers the world over.

“Anthem takes the security of its data and the personal information of consumers very seriously,” Anthem said in a statement released on Monday. “We have cooperated with [the government] throughout their review and have now reached a mutually acceptable resolution.”

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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Health Data Breaches Are on the Rise

Healthcare data breaches are trending upward, rising from 199 reported incidents in 2010 to 344 reported incidents in 2017.

A research letter, penned by Thomas H. McCoy Jr, MD and Roy H. Perlis, MD, MSc and published this month by the American Medical Association, took an in-depth look at reported healthcare data breaches from 2010 through 2017 and found breaches are on the rise, while postulating that the ongoing transition to EHRs may increase such breaches.

The authors of the letter analyzed all data breaches occurring between January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2017 that were reported to the Office of Civil Rights at the US Department of Health and Human Services, as is mandatory under the 1999 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 2009 Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. Trends and types of breaches were observed across three types of reported categories, including those taking place at healthcare providers, at health plans, and at businesses associated with healthcare.

The analysis revealed that 2,149 breaches took place during the seven-year period, involving a total of 176.4 million patient records. From 2010 through 2017, it was found that the total number of breaches increased every year except for 2015, starting at 199 reported breaches in 2010 and ending with 344 reported breaches in 2017.

It was found that the most common type of breach was paper or film, accounting for 24% of total reported breaches, comprising a total of 3.4 million breached health records. However, tech-related breaches are on the rise, with the most popular form of breach shifting from laptop or paper or film to network server and email by 2017.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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10 Stubborn Cybersecurity Myths, Busted

As common half-truths and misperceptions plague information security, we separate truth from fiction and outline steps to take in order to make your healthcare institution safer.

from HealthcareITNews

The state of healthcare cybersecurity is bad enough without a host of inaccurate information floating around the industry. Hackers honed in on healthcare’s technology weaknesses in 2016, pummeling the industry with massive spear phishing campaigns and ransomware attacks. And 2017 has been even worse.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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Natural Disasters Make Strong Case for EHRs

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and the devastation they have brought with them, serve as glaring reminders for how beneficial EHRs can be in a crisis. Is your hospital prepared?

Though the implementation of electronic health records has come with its problems and has had its share of critics in our hospitals and health systems, many studies have highlighted their benefits, including improved access to and organization of patient data, providing the ability to make more timely decisions regarding care, improved communication and care coordination, a reduction in clerical tasks, and more.

However, one benefit of EHRs that is often overlooked is how invaluable they can be when disasters strike. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s recent devastation of the greater Houston, Texas area and Hurricane Irma’s potentially imminent destruction of Florida, it is certainly a point worth making.

Is your hospital ready to face Mother Nature’s wrath? If not, Primary Protection: Enhancing Health Care Resilience for a Changing Climate, a toolkit from the Department of Health and Human Services, provides an in-depth guide for how to create sustainable and resilient hospitals in the face of climate change and natural disasters.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

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