Health Tech

Health Informatics - Top 5 Careers In Health Informatics

Health Informatics – Top 5 Careers In Health Informatics

Health Informatics – Top 5 Careers In Health Informatics

Are you interested in pursuing a profession in health informatics? Health informatics offers numerous promising career opportunities that can be advantageous for you. In a nutshell, health informatics is an expanding field that focuses on collecting, analyzing, and managing data in digital patient records and electronic health records, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of patient care. Here are the top five careers in the field of health informatics.

1. Clinical Informaticist

The role of a clinical informaticist involves managing medical data within clinical settings. The specific responsibilities of a clinical informaticist may vary depending on the organization’s size. In smaller medical facilities, the clinical informaticist may collect, manage, and organise patient data, ensuring its availability to healthcare providers, patients, and staff members. In larger organizations, the clinical informaticist may have similar duties. Still, it could also take on the additional responsibility of educating a team of clinical informaticists on operating systems and integrating information technology within the medical facility.

2. Electronics Medical Records Keeper

Medical records keepers play a vital role in consolidating health data and information; electronic medical records keepers are responsible for entering the data into the system. Their primary duty is to convert medical records into a digital format and assign appropriate medical codes to patient information, which is then entered into the organization’s database.
This includes capturing patient names, medical history, health conditions, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and future appointments. They also have the important task of ensuring the security and accuracy of the data and may provide training to other employees to uphold these standards.
Read Also:How To Protect The Health Information Of a Patient – 5 Steps That Will Guide You 

3. Nursing Informatics Specialist

Nurses have long been recognized as essential pillars of the healthcare system, as they provide direct patient care and handle important administrative tasks. Given their extensive expertise and competence, registered nurses (RNs) are increasingly sought-after to work as nursing informatics specialists in health informatics.
These specialists manage and supervise nursing staff and play a crucial role in educating them on proper recording protocols, emphasizing the significance of accuracy and security in healthcare documentation. Nursing informatics has emerged as a highly valued and sought-after career opportunity within health informatics, reflecting its importance in optimizing patient care and information management.

4. Pharmacy or Nutrition Informaticist

Pharmacy or nutrition informaticists play a crucial role in health informatics, focusing on collecting and organising patient and prescription data to enhance medication safety and efficiency. Utilizing this data, they actively monitor the medications prescribed to patients and identify potential adverse reactions.
Physicians, in turn, can access comprehensive information regarding a patient’s medication history, including current prescriptions and past medications. Additionally, nutrition informaticists leverage patient data to make informed decisions regarding dietary requirements, food allergies, and other pertinent nutritional information. Their expertise contributes to accurate and tailored nutritional recommendations for patients.

5. Chief Medical Information Officer

The chief medical information officer is the individual whose job is to ensure every department’s information management team is running as efficiently as possible. Using the various information systems available, the chief medical information officer ensures that all patients receive the best quality of patient care. They conduct daily analysis, design software applications, and participate in many information technology governance tasks. Although some work in academic settings or government positions, most chief medical information officers work in hospitals.

Conclusion

Health informatics presents a wealth of career prospects, paralleling the opportunities found in the medical field. What makes health informatics particularly appealing is its diverse range of career paths available across various educational levels. Whether you hold an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, there are abundant and promising career options within health informatics. By acquiring the necessary training and gaining practical experience, individuals can unlock excellent career prospects in this dynamic and evolving field.

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How To Protect The Health Information Of a Patient – 5 Steps That Will Guide You 

How To Protect The Health Information Of a Patient – 5 Steps That Will Guide You 

The protection of patient information holds significant importance, as emphasized by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH). These regulations mandate that covered entities prioritize the security of protected health information (PHI) by implementing technical safeguards such as encryption, access controls, and more.
Failure to adhere to these security measures can result in substantial fines in the event of a data breach. Healthcare facilities must understand how to safeguard patient health information and ensure compliance with HIPAA and HITECH regulations to avoid potential legal issues. Below are the possible systems to secure patient health information.

1. Converting Your Data To a Code 

As HIPAA recommends, all healthcare organizations must establish a system for safeguarding patient data. They emphasize the significance of ensuring that even if the data is transmitted to a third party, it remains protected and undisclosed.
Encoding PHI, even if an unauthorized individual intercepts the data, remains inaccessible without the corresponding code key. Proper management of codes and access controls is crucial, with only authorized administrators and IT personnel being able to modify the code status. These measures are vital in strengthening the security of sensitive patient information and ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.

2. Configure User Settings Correctly

An essential component of safeguarding patient information involves accurately establishing and configuring user settings. To accomplish this, it is crucial to develop policies that address privacy safeguards, security safeguards, and password management.
Grant users access only to the specific information necessary for their roles. Regrettably, many data breaches occur due to human error or potential internal theft. Therefore, it is essential to restrict system access to employees on a need-to-know basis.
We recommend drafting a comprehensive policy that organizational leaders, it, and security teams approve. Ensuring that employees adhere to all established procedures and promptly update any components when necessary is crucial. By implementing these measures, organizations can enhance the protection of patient information and minimize the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.

3. Create a Device Security Policy And Use MDM Software.

The proliferation of mobile devices has brought numerous benefits, including reduced paper usage, improved information management, and increased quality time spent with patients for healthcare providers. However, hospital administrators and IT staff must know these devices’ additional endpoints and security risks.
For organizations utilizing mobile devices, it is crucial to establish comprehensive security policies and effectively manage the diverse range of devices. We strongly recommend developing a written policy and implementing mobile device management (MDM) software. MDM software enables monitoring of each device and offers cybersecurity features such as remote data wiping in case of loss or theft. Your device policy should align with your overall security policy discussed in the previous tip and include guidelines for password requirements, multi-factor authentication, and other essential measures.
By adopting these practices, organizations can proactively address the security concerns associated with mobile devices, ensuring a robust and protected environment for patient information and minimizing potential vulnerabilities.

4. Systems Should Not Be Out Of Date

Ensuring the security of patient health information entails updating and securing all devices, including software, operating systems, and antivirus programs. Healthcare organizations face additional concerns regarding the security of electronic devices such as pacemakers and monitoring tools. An incident last year exposed vulnerabilities in Medtronic pacemakers, highlighting the importance of addressing potential risks.
Given the diverse range of devices and technologies employed in hospitals and healthcare facilities, it is crucial to maintain up-to-date and secure configurations for each component. Regular updates and security measures are vital in safeguarding patient health information and mitigating potential vulnerabilities. By prioritizing these practices, organizations can enhance their security posture and effectively protect sensitive patient data.

5. Educate Employees On Maintaining Security In The Organisation

Educating your employees is perhaps crucial to safeguarding your patients’ information. Many cyber attacks and breaches exploit human behaviour, such as falling for phishing scams or clicking on malicious links. Therefore, providing comprehensive training to your employees on maintaining security within your organization is essential. Moreover, this training should not be a one-time event but an ongoing and consistent initiative conducted monthly or quarterly.
By establishing a culture of cybersecurity, you can foster a sense of responsibility and engagement among your staff in protecting patient data. Every employee should be actively invested in maintaining strong security practices. Keep cybersecurity at the forefront of your organization’s priorities, and consistently motivate your employees to adhere to best practices. By doing so, you can significantly enhance the overall security posture of your organization and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of patient information.

In Conclusion

Safeguarding patient health information is crucial and fundamental for any healthcare organization. Apart from the legal obligations imposed on healthcare companies to protect Protected Health Information (PHI), it is also in their best interest to do so. Building and maintaining trust with patients regarding the security of their data is paramount, as it directly impacts their confidence in continuing to seek your services.
Patients who believe their sensitive information is secure in your care are more likely to maintain a long-term relationship with your organization. Prioritizing the protection of PHI not only demonstrates professionalism but also fosters a sense of reliability and accountability. By consistently upholding the confidentiality and security of patient health information, healthcare organizations can cultivate a positive reputation and strengthen patient loyalty and trust.

 

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Health Technologies – Possible Dangers Of Digital Technology In The Healthcare Sector

Health Technologies – Possible Dangers Of Digital Technology In The Healthcare Sector

The introduction of digital health has brought about exciting prospects for the future of medicine. Technological advancements have made healthcare more accessible, resulting in better treatments and the eradication of deadly diseases.
However, these advancements also pose risks to the healthcare system. For instance, there is a threat to privacy due to hacked medical devices, and bioterrorism is also a concern.
Despite these risks, it is essential to generate discourse around these issues and prepare all stakeholders to address them.
In this article, we will highlight some of the major hazards that technology poses in the digital health age and discuss how they have become potential hazards.

 

1. Regulating Adaptive A.I. algorithms

An adaptive AI refers to an artificial intelligence system that can modify itself in real-time based on new information it receives. In a medical setting, it can suggest more frequent blood tests for a population with a high incidence of diabetes and recommend a cardiovascular evaluation if it detects a tendency to develop heart problems.
However, these algorithms rely on existing medical data that may contain inherent biases.
By evolving based on this data, adaptive AI may only reinforce these biases, leading to discrimination based on factors such as ethnicity and gender.
To address these risks, regulatory authorities must adopt new regulatory measures to ensure that equitable adaptive AI algorithms are utilized in healthcare facilities.

2. Hacking Medical Devices Remotely

Medical implants and devices are now commonly equipped with wireless connectivity features, allowing for the monitoring of metrics and diagnostics.
However, this also means that they are vulnerable to hacking, which could have fatal consequences for patients. For instance, in 2011, a researcher demonstrated that it was possible to hack into Medtronic insulin pumps and administer lethal doses to diabetic patients.
Likewise, Bluetooth-enabled pacemakers can be hijacked, X-ray data can be compromised, and CT scans can be remotely reconfigured to alter radiation exposure. As more patients and healthcare institutions adopt these solutions, it is essential that regulators ensure that private companies provide secure technologies.
Patients should demand safer options, while companies developing these technologies should prioritize safety. Users should also exercise vigilance when using these devices to minimize the risk of remote hacks.

3. Privacy Breaches By And On Direct-to-consumer Devices And Services

The relationship between digital health adoption and privacy is a delicate balance. In order to obtain personalized results, health sensors and artificial intelligence tools require access to our personal health data, which compromises a part of our privacy.
However, the security of this data, once companies have access to it, is questionable. For example, 23andMe, a popular DNA testing company, recently signed a $300 million deal with pharmaceutical giant GSK for drug development, utilizing genetic resources from its customers without their knowledge.
The issues surrounding privacy and security in the digital health era are complex and likely to become even more complicated as more advanced technologies are integrated into healthcare.
Therefore, all stakeholders in the healthcare industry must consider the need for changes in this era. To assist with navigating these questions, we have published an e-book dedicated to the topic.

4. Ransomware Attacks On Hospitals

The most common type of cyber threat in healthcare is ransomware, which involves hackers using malware or digital viruses to encrypt important files, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid, typically through cryptocurrency.
The most high-profile example was the WannaCry attacks on 61 NHS institutions in 2017, which resulted in cancelled operations and clinical appointments, loss of internet connection in hospitals, and diverted patients from emergency departments for up to a week. This trend has continued, with a 45% increase in cyberattacks on healthcare organizations globally in November and December of 2020.
It is crucial that cyber threats in healthcare are taken seriously, and patients, medical staff, and management must work together to improve security and understand cybercrime methods in order to better protect patient data.

5. Technologies Supporting Self-Diagnosis

Physicians are concerned that patients who search for symptoms and treatments online may incorrectly associate the information they find with more severe conditions than what their doctor has diagnosed.
Additionally, researchers are warning that patients may be going to hospitals due to notifications from smartwatches about abnormal ECG readings, many of which are not clinically relevant.
As more patients gain access to home metrics from sources such as blood tests and genetic analyses, including inaccurate services from unregulated companies, there is a risk of even more serious cases of misinterpretation or self-medication. It is important to persuade patients not to further burden hospitals in this way.
To prevent this, proper guidance from medical professionals can help patients interpret readings from their smart sensors, and authorities can regulate these services to help patients identify trustworthy companies. This will ultimately help to avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

6. Bioterrorism Through Digital Health Technologies

The interconnected world of digital health technologies has brought about convenience and enhanced medical solutions, but it has also escalated bioterrorism to new levels.
During our discussion, we highlighted the vulnerability of medical devices to remote hacking and the danger of ransomware attacks that could potentially be fatal to some patients.
In addition to these concerns, recent advancements such as Neuralink’s proposal to implant a “Fitbit in your skull” and NaNotics’ development of nanorobots that “mop up” disease-causing molecules from the body, have raised questions about the possibility of bioterrorists hacking into these devices and gaining direct control over our health.
Given the advanced technologies on the horizon, it is crucial to consider ways to prevent such attacks and protect patients’ health

7. A.I. Not Tested In A Real-life Clinical Setting

We often hear about the impressive capabilities of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in the healthcare industry, but these outcomes are often achieved in controlled settings using selective data that may not accurately reflect real-world clinical environments.
Google experienced this firsthand when medical researchers claimed their A.I. tool could accurately screen patients for diabetic retinopathy (DR) from images with 90% accuracy. DR is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, and early detection can prevent complications.
However, the A.I. tool did not perform as well in actual practice. When used by nurses in a hospital in Thailand, they encountered various issues such as internet connection problems and low-quality scans that did not meet the A.I.’s required standard, resulting in no result. In some cases, nurses had to spend extra time editing images that the algorithm did not want to analyze.

8. Electronic Medical Records Not Being Able To Accommodate Patient-Obtained Digital Health Data

As the popularity of fitness wearables and affordable direct-to-consumer genetic tests increases, patients will use these tools to gather personal health data.
They will likely want to share this information with their doctors, but electronic medical records were not created to include this type of data.
However, as patients gain access to more health sensors and at-home analyses, medical records should be updated to accommodate this information in a timely manner to provide more comprehensive health metrics.

New Medical Technologies – The Importance Of New Medical Technologies In The Advancement Of The World Globally

 

New Medical Technologies – The Importance Of New Medical Technologies In The Advancement Of The World Globally

The history of new medical technologies dates back to ancient times when humans first developed primitive tools and techniques for diagnosing and treating diseases.
Over the centuries, advancements in science and technology have led to numerous innovations in the medical field, including:
  1. 18th century: The discovery of microbiology and the advent of vaccines
  2. 19th century: The introduction of anesthesia, antiseptics, and X-rays
  3. 20th century: The development of antibiotics, blood transfusions, and organ transplantation
  4. 1970s-1980s: The advent of computerized tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  5. 1990s-2000s: The introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques and laparoscopic procedures
  6. 21st century: The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and telemedicine

These technologies have profoundly impacted healthcare, allowing for more accurate diagnoses, less invasive treatments, and improved patient outcomes.
However, the development and adoption of new medical technologies also raise ethical and practical considerations, such as the cost of these technologies and their impact on the healthcare workforce.

New medical technologies refer to innovative tools, devices, and techniques that are used to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases.
These technologies have revolutionized the healthcare industry by improving patient outcomes, reducing the risk of complications, and making healthcare more accessible. Some examples of new medical technologies include:
Recommended: How To Protect The Health Information Of a Patient – 5 Steps That Will Guide You 
  1. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for diagnostics, treatment planning, and precision medicine.
  2. CRISPR gene editing technology for precise and efficient modification of genetic material.
  3. Nanotechnology-based therapies and diagnostic tools, such as nanoparticle-based drug delivery and biosensors.
  4. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies for medical training, rehabilitation, and patient care.
  5. Wearable medical devices and smart health technologies include fitness trackers and continuous monitoring devices.
  6. 3D printing technology for creating customized prosthetics, implants, and surgical tools.
  7. Robotic-assisted surgeries for improved accuracy and minimally invasive procedures.
  8. Telemedicine for remote consultations, diagnoses, and treatments.

The adoption of new medical technologies has been driven by increased demand for better healthcare outcomes, the growing ageing population, and advancements in science and technology.
However, the development and implementation of these technologies also raise ethical and practical considerations, such as the cost of these technologies and their impact on the healthcare workforce.
Also Read: Sleep Trackers – The Pros And Cons Of Sleep Trackers

What Are The Impacts Of AI As A New Medical Technologies

Artificial intelligence (AI) has profoundly impacted the healthcare industry as a new medical technology. Some of the key impacts of AI in healthcare include:
  1. Improved Diagnosis: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of patient data to help clinicians make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
  2. Personalized Medicine: AI algorithms can help identify the best treatment options for individual patients based on their medical history and genetic information.
  3. Improved Clinical Decision-Making: AI can help healthcare providers make faster and more informed decisions by providing real-time data and insights.
  4. Enhanced Drug Development: AI can help pharmaceutical companies identify new drug targets and speed up drug development.
  5. Improved Patient Outcomes: By enabling more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, and improved clinical decision-making, AI has the potential to improve patient outcomes.
  6. Increased Efficiency: AI can help automate routine tasks, freeing healthcare providers to focus on more critical tasks and improving the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.

However, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts of AI in healthcare, such as the potential for errors and biases in AI algorithms and the impact on the healthcare workforce.
It is important to balance the benefits of AI with these concerns and to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically in the healthcare industry.

How Does New Medical Technologies Work?

The workings of new medical technologies can vary greatly depending on the specific technology. However, new medical technologies generally use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), nanotechnology, robotics, and biotechnology to diagnose and treat diseases.

For example:

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare use algorithms and machine learning to analyze vast amounts of patient data and make predictions or recommendations based on that analysis.
  2. Nanotechnology-based therapies and diagnostic tools use nanoscale particles to deliver drugs directly to specific cells or tissues, increasing their efficacy and reducing side effects.
  3. Robotics-assisted surgeries use robotic arms to perform surgical procedures with increased precision and accuracy.
  4. Telemedicine uses video conferencing to connect patients with healthcare providers for remote consultations and diagnoses.

In general, new medical technologies work by harnessing the power of technology to improve the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of healthcare delivery. However, the exact working mechanism of a particular technology will depend on its specific design and intended use.

Importance Of New Medical Technologies In The Advancement Of The World Globally.

New medical technologies have revolutionized the field of healthcare and have a profound impact on the world globally. These technologies have helped improve health outcomes, increase access to care, and transform how healthcare is delivered.
In this way, medical technologies have enabled tackling some of the most pressing health challenges facing the world today.
One of the most important benefits of new medical technologies is that they allow for earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
This is particularly true for imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which have revolutionized diagnostic imaging and made it possible to detect and diagnose various health conditions at an earlier stage, when they are more treatable.
Additionally, new diagnostic tools such as rapid molecular tests for infectious diseases have enabled health professionals to quickly and accurately identify and treat illnesses, reducing the spread of diseases and saving lives.
Another significant impact of new medical technologies is that they allow for less invasive treatments, reducing recovery time and improving patient outcomes. For example, minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, have reduced many surgeries’ invasiveness and recovery time, making them more appealing for patients.
Furthermore, new medical devices, such as implantable devices for managing chronic conditions, have enabled patients to manage their conditions more effectively without the need for frequent hospital visits or surgeries.
In addition to improving patient outcomes, new medical technologies have also helped to increase access to care in underserved and underdeveloped regions. For example, telemedicine technologies have made it possible to deliver healthcare services to patients in remote areas where access to medical professionals is limited.
Additionally, advances in mobile health technologies have enabled healthcare workers to provide more comprehensive care in resource-poor settings, improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of disease in these communities.
Moreover, new medical technologies have helped increase healthcare systems’ efficiency and cost-effectiveness globally. For example, electronic health records (EHRs) have enabled health professionals to securely and easily access patient information, reducing the need for manual record-keeping and improving patient care.
New technologies such as health informatics and big data analytics have allowed health systems to analyze large amounts of data and make more informed decisions about resource allocation and treatment strategies, improving the quality of care and reducing costs.
In conclusion, new medical technologies have profoundly impacted the world globally, transforming the way that healthcare is delivered and improving health outcomes for people around the world.
By enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses, less invasive treatments, and increased access to care, these technologies have enabled tackling some of the most pressing health challenges facing the world today.
As these technologies continue to evolve and improve, they can potentially improve the health and well-being of people further globally.
Also See: Cloud Computing In The Healthcare Industry – Top 5 Benefits Of Cloud  Computing In The Healthcare  Industry

How Affordable Are New Medical Technologies?

The affordability of new medical technologies can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of technology, the target market, and the country in which it is being used.
In general, new medical technologies tend to be expensive, as they often involve cutting-edge research and development and require significant investment to bring to market. This high cost can make these technologies unaffordable for many individuals and healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
However, some new medical technologies, such as telemedicine and mobile health technologies, have the potential to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, as they reduce the need for in-person visits and can be delivered at a lower cost.
Additionally, the cost of some medical technologies, such as generic drugs and generic medical devices, can be lower than their brand-name counterparts, making them more affordable for patients.
In many cases, healthcare systems and governments will negotiate with manufacturers to reduce the cost of new medical technologies, making them more affordable for patients and healthcare providers.
Additionally, some countries have implemented programs and policies to ensure that patients have access to the latest medical technologies, regardless of their ability to pay.
Overall, while the cost of new medical technologies can be a barrier to access, many factors can help make these technologies more affordable, including government policies, manufacturer negotiations, and the development of lower-cost alternatives.
Also Read: Health Informatics – Top 5 Careers In Health Informatics

How To Get New Medical Technologies

New medical technologies can be obtained through a variety of channels, including the following:

  1. Direct purchase: Healthcare providers, such as hospitals and clinics, can purchase new medical technologies directly from manufacturers or suppliers. This is often the most straightforward way to obtain new medical technologies, but it can be expensive and may require a significant up-front investment.
  2. Leasing or renting: Some healthcare providers may lease or rent new medical technologies instead of purchasing them outright. This can be a more cost-effective option and allow providers to try out new technologies before making a full purchase.
  3. Government procurement: Some governments have programs to provide new medical technologies to healthcare providers. For example, many countries have national health systems that purchase medical technologies on behalf of healthcare providers, and these technologies are then distributed to hospitals and clinics throughout the country.
  4. Clinical trials: Some new medical technologies are only available through clinical trials. Healthcare providers can participate in these trials to access new technologies and contribute to developing new treatments.
  5. Philanthropy: Some new medical technologies are funded by philanthropic organizations or individual donors. These organizations may provide funding to develop and distribute new technologies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to healthcare.

It is important for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of new medical technologies before deciding to purchase or implement them.

This can help ensure that these technologies are used effectively and in a manner that benefits patients and improves health outcomes.

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