NCSA on Cybersecurity: ‘Update, Update, Update’
NCSA executive director Kelvin Coleman recently spoke with HealthLeaders about the continuing threat posed by criminals who see healthcare continuing to be one of the biggest, most lucrative targets for their ever-increasing cyber-intrusion capabilities.
What You Need to Know About TJC’s 2021 Survey Activity Guide
Be sure to check the “What’s New for 2021” section. Many of the updates, such as the elimination of the Environment of Care session, are not unexpected. Other items did not change, such as the documents that will be requested on the first day of survey.
CDC: Screen for International Travel as Ebola Cases Increase
As of March 4, the CDC is also requiring all airlines and other aircraft operators to collect and transmit contact information to the CDC “for appropriate public health follow-up and intervention for all passengers boarding a flight to the United States who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or the Republic of Guinea within the 21 days before their arrival in the United States.”
Accidentally Trashed, Thawed, or Expired: Reports of COVID Vaccine Spoilage
The incidents range from 335 discarded doses in Lee County, North Carolina, that were damaged in shipping, to nearly 5,000 doses that went to waste in Tennessee in February, prompting additional federal oversight.
Coronavirus: How RWJBarnabas Health is Administering Monoclonal Antibodies
On November 9, bamlanivimab became the first monoclonal antibody to receive an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The EUA for bamlanivimab marked a milestone in the coronavirus pandemic because the monoclonal antibody became the first medication that could be administered to COVID-19 patients on an outpatient basis.
Artificial Intelligence: 5 Considerations for Health Systems
According to a recent report by Optum, 83% of healthcare organizations reported having an AI strategy in place during 2020, and another 15% are planning on creating one, with many accelerating their AI deployment timelines in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The Great Potential of Virtual Reality in Healthcare
Technologies such as VR open innovative paths to improve the well-being of patients, as well as help health professionals who need to quickly expand their knowledge to work in the various fields of health. Pain control and knowledge are key ingredients of this technological open door that is increasingly occupying more territory in hospital organizations.
Preventing Opioid Overprescribing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
We know that overdoses quickened their pace in 2020, according to the CDC. The CDC identified over 81,000 drug overdoses in the 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number ever in a 12-month period. And while those numbers were increasing prior to COVID-19, the latest data indicate the numbers accelerated further during the pandemic.
Healthcare and Cybersecurity in a Pandemic World
Changes in how medical care is provided has opened up a host of avenues for cyberattacks, with the rise of telehealth and more healthcare staff working remotely. But many of the challenges the industry faces are tied to problems that existed before the pandemic. Old systems, outdated policies, and unprotected Internet of Things (IoT) devices were issues healthcare facilities needed to address before the lockdown, and they’re still problems for many facilities today.
Integrating Communication for Better Patient Care—and Better Provider Experiences
Efficient communication and sharing of data are key to patient care improvements. The healthcare integration market is enormous—expected to hit $7.5 billion by 2026—and organizations are constantly on the lookout for better ways to collaborate securely to improve patient care.