But while the “democratization of ultrasound” via POCUS technology is good news for healthcare providers, the technology has the potential to increase risks for patients if used incorrectly. Misuse of these handheld devices can lead to incorrect diagnoses, delays in care, or even death. The expanded use of POCUS technology must be supported by equally broad adoption of usage standards, ensuring that healthcare professionals receive proper training and certification.

Ransomware in particular has become a relentless challenge for healthcare. Sixty-seven percent of healthcare delivery organizations have been targeted by ransomware during the pandemic, and a third of those organizations have been attacked more than once. Ransomware is finding favorite pathways into healthcare organizations, as well: It’s estimated that 90% of phishing emails—which are growing cleverer and more effective—contain ransomware.

When surgical robots first appeared over a decade ago, they offered the capability of working with four articulating hands, as well as impressive 3D endoscopic visualization. But the robotic instrument arms were initially limited to cautery. Soon thereafter, lasers were adapted to the robotic surgery platform, bringing the advantages of both modalities to the operating room.  

Hospitals and other healthcare organizations must look for new ways to secure their data, but one area in their IT infrastructure is often overlooked: mainframe security. Ray Overby, co-founder and CTO of Key Resources, Inc., says that while the current healthcare environment has brought attention to the cybersecurity threats facing healthcare organizations, mainframes still fly under the radar.

With physician’s offices overwhelmed and, as a matter of safety, keeping in-office care limited to those who most need it, remote monitoring solutions can pick up signs and symptoms, track blood pressures, and more in the home—and often treat patients in the home as well.

The use of technology in healthcare has seen exponential growth. Artificial intelligence—in particular, machine learning—is gaining prominence throughout medicine, and is now being applied to enhance fetal and maternal safety in L&D.   

Locks on a building are irrelevant if an employee leaves a window open; similarly, cybersecurity protocol is irrelevant if medical personnel are not trained to ensure protection of the network. Like the continuous battle surrounding antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant pathogens, the fight between cybersecurity measures and hackers is also ongoing.