Google introduced several generative AI-driven tools at its Google for India event. Users will soon access summaries of over 100 Indian government-led schemes in both Hindi and English. The search experience in India will become more visualized, offering step-by-step instructions with images and videos for various searches. It will also provide user reviews for local information searches. This expansion follows Google’s August introduction of search-generative experiences in India, allowing users to toggle between Hindi and English without leaving the results page and featuring ads in dedicated slots in generative-AI-powered search results.

Google announced a bunch of generative AI-focused tools in India at its Google for India event. The features include visual results like images and videos and information on government schemes. Google said today that in the coming weeks, users will be able to get summaries of more than 100 government-led schemes in India. The feature will provide information to users in both Hindi and English.

The search giant said that it is making search generative experiments (SGE) in India more localized and visualized by showing images and videos in the results. For instance, if a person searches for “How to drape a saree,” they will get step-by-step instructions for different styles of draping. Plus, the results will also include a video.

The company said that while searching for local information, such as things to do in a city you are traveling, the search generative experience (SGE) will also list useful user reviews. For example, if you search “Is Jaipur Fort wheelchair-friendly?” the generative-AI search-powered result will surface user reviews related to that. Notably, Google Maps already marks wheelchair-friendly places and businesses on the app. Recently, the company also launched indications for wheelchair-friendly shopping routes on Maps.

In August, Google expanded the search generative experience (SGE) to India with a toggle for users to switch from Hindi to English without leaving the results page. The company said at that time that ads would appear in dedicated slots in generative-AI-powered search results.

The post Google taps gen-AI to help users in India search through government welfare schemes appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

Indian Robotic Process Automation (RPA) companies are leading in innovation and showcasing their capabilities at GITEX 2023, a prominent technology event. They excel in developing and deploying RPA solutions across various sectors. At the event, global RPA vendors are presenting their latest solutions, including UiPath’s AI-powered RPA platform, demonstrating how RPA can enhance efficiency and reduce costs, freeing employees for strategic tasks. GITEX 2023 focuses on imagining AI in every aspect, emphasizing its global significance and impact on business, economy, society, and culture.

Indian companies are at the forefront of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) innovation, and they are showcasing their capabilities at GITEX 2023, the world’s leading technology event. Indian RPA companies are known for their expertise in developing and deploying RPA solutions for a wide range of industries, including banking, insurance, healthcare, and retail. They are also known for their ability to deliver high-quality solutions at a competitive price.

At GITEX 2023, RPA vendors from across the globe are showcasing their latest solutions and how they can be used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and free up employees to focus on more strategic tasks. For example, UiPath is demonstrating its AI-powered RPA platform, which can be used to automate complex tasks that were previously thought to be too difficult for RPA. Indian RPA companies are also demonstrating their latest solutions in RPA and how they can be used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and free up employees to focus on more strategic tasks.

GITEX GLOBAL brings together the world’s most innovative enterprises and best minds to elevate business, economy, society and culture. 2023 marks ‘The Year to Imagine AI in Everything’, supercharging the epic global race for AI supremacy by revealing unmissable prophecies and expert perspectives about its impact.

The post Indian companies are at forefront of RPA innovation at GITEX 2023 appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

The Rockefeller Foundation has granted funding to the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) for the establishment of a Climate Sciences and Technology Chair. This five-year grant aims to enhance expertise in advanced climate sciences from the Global South. It supports climate technology interventions, provides resources for researchers, experts, and students, and fosters innovation to address climate challenges. The collaboration is part of The Rockefeller Foundation’s $1 billion climate strategy, promoting scientific, evidence-based action for climate change from the Global South. IIT Delhi will also host climate-centric events over the five years to facilitate discussions among experts in the field.

The Rockefeller Foundation announced a grant to the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) for the Climate Sciences and Technology Chair at the premier technology institute. Through this five-year period grant, IIT-D will elect an academic with noteworthy contributions in the field of climate sciences to expand the existing talent pool in advanced climate sciences from the Global South.

Through this grant, The Rockefeller Foundation intends to support the growing interest in climate technology interventions. The grant will provide resources to experts, researchers, and students to shape future climate policy action. The Rockefeller Foundation Chair for Climate Sciences and Technology will enable further innovation and increase participation to address the looming and prevalent climate challenges.

Along with the Chair, IIT Delhi, across the five years, will hold two climate-centric convenings bringing together experts from the Global South to discuss the latest innovations tackling climate change.

“It is our immense pleasure to be associated with the Rockefeller Foundation to set up a Chair Professorship for Climate Sciences and Technology”, stated Prof. Naresh Bhatnagar, Dean (R&D), IIT Delhi. “Climate change will be one of the defining challenges of the 21st century, and IIT Delhi, through its substantial and growing presence in climate science, innovation and policy, is well-placed to help address this enormous challenge. We believe this partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation will play an important role in our efforts within and beyond IIT Delhi to enhance research-driven climate action.”

This collaboration aligns with The Rockefeller Foundation’s recently announced $1 billion USD climate strategy promoting scientific action towards climate action.

“It is time that policy action constituted of evidence backed, innovative and scientific climate research from the Global South”, stated Deepali Khanna, Vice President, Asia Regional Office, The Rockefeller Foundation, announcing the collaboration. “Through this collaboration with IIT Delhi, we hope to enable this voice. The Rockefeller Foundation has always believed in creating equal opportunity for all and with our new climate strategy applicable for the next five years, this is a positive step in the direction. The institution is an excellent ally to further the importance of collective action towards climate change. This grant will serve as a platform for an increasing number of sustainable academia and industry collaborations in the future.”

The Rockefeller Foundation’s climate strategy spanning over five years intends to advance opportunities while reversing the climate crisis.

The post IIT Delhi and The Rockefeller Foundation Partner To Establish the Chair for Climate Sciences and Technology appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur) and King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow have launched the second cohort of the School of International Biodesign-Synergising Healthcare Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SIB-SHInE) program. Supported by the Department of Biotechnology in India, this year-long residential fellowship aims to foster innovation in healthcare. It offers a monthly fellowship of ₹60,000, allows participants to own their intellectual property, and provides entrepreneurial opportunities. Eligible candidates with graduate or higher degrees in various fields can participate in the program to address healthcare challenges and drive transformation in the sector.

In an effort to promote innovation in healthcare and harness the talents of aspiring entrepreneurs, engineers, designers, and clinicians across India, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur) collaborated with  King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow to launch the second cohort of the School of International Biodesign-Synergising Healthcare Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SIB-SHInE) programme. Supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in India, this interdisciplinary initiative is poised to revolutionise healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

The SIB-SHInE is an intensive year-long residential fellowship programme. The primary objective of the programme is to identify and nurture individuals with the drive and creativity to tackle healthcare challenges head-on. Whether it’s through the development of groundbreaking medical technologies or innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, SIB-SHInE seeks to create a cohort of future biodesign innovators who will lead the charge in transforming the healthcare sector.

Benefits of the SIB-SHInE programme

Monthly fellowship: Those selected for the program will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹ 60,000 for 12 months, ensuring financial support throughout their innovative journey.

Ownership of intellectual property: Participants will have the opportunity to take ownership of their intellectual property, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.

Entrepreneurship opportunities: The programme provides participants with the chance to transform their innovative ideas into real-world ventures, instilling an entrepreneurial spirit and mindset.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the SIB-SHInE programme, candidates should hold graduate or higher degrees in fields such as Medicine (including BDS), Engineering, Biomedical Instrumentation, Product/Industrial Design, or Business Administration. Applicants must be willing to devote 12 months (full-time) to the fellowship program, which will involve travel to partner universities and institutions.

The post IIT Kanpur, KGMU Lucknow Collaborate For Healthcare Innovation Programme appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

Digital healthcare has revolutionized medical records, providing individuals with tools to understand their genetic health risks through user-friendly interfaces and intelligent algorithms. In India, the healthcare system faces unique challenges in providing accessible and affordable care to its vast and diverse population. While the digital health landscape is in its early stages, technology, including telemedicine, is bridging gaps and extending access to remote areas. Digital health records, including Personal Health Records (PHR), Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and Electronic Health Records (EHR), streamline information flow and improve patient care.

Digitizing health records in India presents challenges related to data standardization, patient digital literacy, and infrastructure limitations. MyDigiRecords, a digital health platform, aims to address these challenges, offering opportunities for advanced analytics, early intervention, and telemedicine access. Genetic insights and proactive health choices are also unlocked through digital records. The author’s diverse background and entrepreneurial experience have contributed to the growth of MyDigiRecords, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and a clear vision in the startup landscape.

In the age of digital healthcare, the transformation of medical records from traditional paper files to comprehensive digital databases has unlocked a realm of possibilities for individuals seeking to decode the enigmatic realm of their genetic health risks. These digital archives, with their user-friendly interfaces, intelligent algorithms, and extensive data integration, serve as powerful tools for individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their genetic predispositions and potential health vulnerabilities.

GLOBAL CONTRASTS IN HEALTHCARE CONDITIONS:

India’s healthcare system stands apart from many other nations due to its unparalleled challenges and opportunities. With a vast and diverse population, India grapples with the task of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to all while maintaining high-quality medical services in urban centers. Infrastructure poses another contrast, as advanced hospitals thrive in cities, yet rural regions lack even basic healthcare facilities. In terms of digital health, India is in the nascent stages of adopting electronic health records. Nonetheless, technology is proving to be a bridge, with telemedicine and digital health platforms extending healthcare access to remote areas. India’s healthcare evolution, while still in its infancy, presents an immense potential to lead the global healthcare landscape.

WHAT ARE DIGITAL RECORDS?

Digital health records encompass a patient’s medical data, comprising their history, diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans. Three main types include Personal Health Records (PHR), Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and Electronic Health Records (EHR). PHRs, often online, permit patients to input health metrics, ensuring personalized care. EMRs replace paper files, enhancing efficiency but usually staying within a single practice. EHRs, a step further, facilitate broad sharing among various healthcare providers within a unified system, promoting seamless care coordination. These digital records hold substantial promise in today’s healthcare landscape, streamlining information flow and improving patient care.

Navigating the Indian Healthcare Landscape: MyDigiRecords’ Approach to Distinct Challenges and Opportunities Digitizing health records in India presents both distinct challenges and remarkable opportunities. The challenges stem from the diverse healthcare landscape, spanning rural clinics to urban super-specialty hospitals, with obstacles like data standardization, patient digital literacy, and infrastructure limitations. Most patients still rely on paper records, making user education a priority. However, the sheer volume of data holds immense potential. Digital records enable advanced analytics, predicting health trends and individual risks, and enhancing preventive care. Patients can access their records, fostering active involvement in healthcare decisions and reducing administrative burdens on providers, leading to faster, error-free services and cost savings. Digitization also extends telemedicine benefits to remote areas. The impact of this transformation is significant, promising a brighter and healthier future for all Indians through platforms like MyDigiRecords.

UNLOCKING GENETIC INSIGHTS:

Digital health records can store comprehensive patient histories, including genetic tests and family medical histories. By analyzing this data, healthcare providers can identify potential genetic risks, offer tailored advice, and even predict susceptibility to certain conditions. Individuals who are empowered with knowledge, can make proactive health choices and take steps to make early interventions.

LEARNINGS FROM VARIED ROLES:

My diverse background and multifaceted experiences have endowed me with a valuable skill set that has significantly contributed to the rapid growth of MyDigiRecords. My academic tenure refined my problem-solving abilities and fostered innovative thinking, while research skills kept us abreast of cutting-edge developments in digital health records. The academic world’s emphasis on continual learning and adaptation has kept MyDigiRecords dynamic and forward-looking. Moreover, my extensive academic network has been pivotal in forging partnerships and collaborations.

Entrepreneurship has taught me the art of calculated risk-taking and the need for flexibility in the ever-changing startup landscape. It reinforced the importance of a clear vision and unwavering persistence. MyDigiRecords, despite challenges, thrives on its commitment to the mission and adaptability. Each of these roles has enriched me with unique skills and insights, collectively shaping my leadership at MyDigiRecords and propelling our success.

The post How can digital records help individuals understand genetic health risks? appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

The healthcare recruitment landscape in India is undergoing notable changes in 2023 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers are actively seeking candidates with expertise in managing infectious diseases and pandemics. Specialization is on the rise, particularly in fields like oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Data science is becoming central to decision-making, resulting in a growing demand for data scientists and analysts. Telemedicine is gaining momentum, requiring professionals with expertise in this area. Talent shortages are pushing employers to enhance the employee experience by offering competitive compensation and fostering a positive work environment. Government-supported skill development programs and diversified recruitment channels are also influencing healthcare hiring. Adaptability and innovation are key to building a strong healthcare workforce in India.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare sector in India, and this is reflected in the changing trends in healthcare recruitment. Employers are now actively seeking candidates with experience in managing infectious diseases and pandemics. Additionally, there is a growing demand for data scientists and analysts who can assist healthcare organizations in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting critical data to inform decision-making.

Shipra Priyadarshani, Talent Acquisition Lead at Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, highlights key trends that are reshaping healthcare recruitment in India as of 2023. According to Shipra, the Indian healthcare sector is experiencing a surge in specialization, with employers actively seeking candidates possessing niche skills and experience. This trend is particularly pronounced in fields like oncology, cardiology, and neurology. In line with this development, data has emerged as a central driver of decision-making in healthcare. As a result, there’s a growing demand for data scientists and analysts who can assist healthcare organizations in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting critical data.

Telemedicine is also gaining momentum in India, creating a demand for professionals with expertise in this area. Telehealth has quickly become a vital component of healthcare service delivery. Shipra points out that the healthcare industry faces a talent shortage, prompting employers to prioritize enhancing the employee experience to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes offering competitive salaries and benefits, while fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

Additionally, Shipra identifies the significant influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare recruitment. Employers now actively seek candidates with experience in managing infectious diseases and pandemics, underscoring the evolving landscape of healthcare recruitment.

The government’s commitment to upskilling the workforce is another notable factor. Government-sponsored skill development programs are aiding healthcare professionals in acquiring the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. With over a decade of experience in the field, Shipra emphasizes that employers should diversify their recruitment channels. Beyond traditional methods, employers can leverage various platforms, such as job boards, social media, and employee referrals, to access a broader pool of candidates.

To effectively attract and retain the best talent, Shipra advises employers to conduct market research to ensure competitive salaries and benefits that align with industry standards. Equally important is the creation of a positive and supportive work environment. Healthcare professionals increasingly seek employers that foster a culture of respect and collaboration while providing the necessary resources and support for success. Shipra’s insights reflect the changing dynamics of healthcare recruitment in India, where adaptability and innovation are key to securing a strong and dynamic workforce.

The post How COVID-19 Pandemic has reshaped Healthcare recruitment in India appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

In India, the healthcare sector has witnessed significant digital transformation, notably through the growth of telemedicine, which reached a market worth $1.10 billion in 2022 with a projected CAGR of 21.2% to reach $5.15 billion in 2030. However, the next major shift in Indian healthcare digitization is expected to revolve around digital health records. These records involve the electronic storage and management of patients’ medical data, aiming to improve efficiency, accessibility, and quality in healthcare. By creating a more connected and comprehensive healthcare system, digital health records enable quicker diagnosis, better treatment decisions, and enhanced patient safety. Additionally, these records offer valuable data for public health initiatives and medical research. India’s unique advantages include the absence of legacy systems, a large population offering ample innovation opportunities, increasing internet and smartphone penetration, and the successful experience of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facilitating digital health data sharing. This digitization of healthcare in India is paving the way for a more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric healthcare system, with global implications for better healthcare outcomes.

We are all well aware of the impact that digital technologies in healthcare have created in the past few years, especially through telemedicine. And while telemedicine has managed to transform the sector in India,  creating a market worth $1.10 billion in 2022, with its CAGR growth of 21.2% from 2022 to 2030 estimated to reach $5.15 billion in 2030, there’s more coming. As the next big change in the sector, it is digital health records that’ll define the upcoming phase of healthcare digitisation in India.

Involving electronic storage and management of patients’ medical histories, diagnoses, treatments, and other relevant healthcare information, digital health records aims to expand the ambit of impact created by digital healthcare, making it more efficient, accessible and quality-driven.

Currently, healthcare is episodic and fragmented. However, with digitisation of health records, medical professionals can establish a care continuum by having easy access to medical data, sharing critical information among peers, all of which will lead to quicker diagnosis, better treatment decisions, and improved standards in patient safety. Additionally this also empowers patients to conveniently access their medical history and share it with different healthcare providers, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care.

Moreover, aggregated and anonymised data from digital health records can drive insights for public health initiatives and medical research. With digital health records at the helm, India is best positioned to lead this change and establish a technologically empowered healthcare system, thanks to the recent government-led initiatives like the Ayushmann Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

Such initiatives have created an integrated health ecosystem that supports various healthcare facilities like clinics, diagnostic centres, hospitals, and laboratories.

While several countries have embarked on their digital healthcare journey, India enjoys a unique set of advantages that will enable high adoption of healthcare digitisation in the near future. Here are a few of them:

Lack of legacy systems — One key benefit for India is the absence of  legacy systems that gets  in the way of innovation. India can leverage learnings from the last three decades and experiences from around the world to implement innovative solutions aligned with current healthcare needs, all without the constraints imposed by outdated systems. Building a digital infrastructure from scratch enables swift adaptation and alteration of the healthcare system.

Our population — India recently became the world’s most populous country, with 1.4 billion people. While this comes with its own share of challenges, on the flipside our population is also our strength as it allows health tech companies to focus and innovate effective solutions on a large scale. Even a small segment of India’s population represents a large market, offering Indian health tech firms ample opportunities to innovate, validate solutions, replicate successful models, and scale up their operations.

Internet and smartphone penetration — In 2020, 53% of India’s population accessed the internet through mobile phones. This figure is projected to reach 96% by 2040, indicating a significant rise in mobile internet users. Additionally, smartphone penetration in India reached 76.6% in FY 2022. The widespread availability of smartphones, coupled with accessible internet connectivity and the upcoming 5G network, enables seamless communication between doctors and patients, helping overcome geographical barriers. The proliferation of smart technologies allows India to leapfrog traditional care delivery models and provide innovative, personalized healthcare solutions to its citizens.

UPI experience facilitating UHI execution — India’s FinTech sector has undergone a major transformation, with a shift from low penetration to a predominantly digital transaction landscape within a few years. This transformation was facilitated by the introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), an interoperable infrastructure that enabled low-cost digital transactions. UPI’s success created a vibrant ecosystem of businesses and fostered inclusivity within the financial system. Similar interoperable public infrastructures are now being introduced in healthcare, enabling the capture and sharing of health data with consent. This will drive large-scale adoption of digital technologies and contribute to a more inclusive healthcare system.

Through rapid digitisation, a patient-centric focus, and an integrated approach, India is paving the way for a future where healthcare is accessible, efficient, and effective. By harnessing the power of technology, countries around the globe can learn from India’s journey and embark on their own digital transformation endeavour, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes for all.

The post Leaders Speak | These are the valuable lessons Indian healthcare can teach the world appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

The healthcare sector’s cybersecurity concerns took center stage at the annual Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) meeting. With medical imaging relying heavily on off-site cloud storage, Pure Storage discussed market trends at HIMSS 2023. Jon Kimerle, Epic Alliance Manager at Pure Storage, noted that cybersecurity has become a significant concern due to the rise in cyberattacks and high-profile health system data breaches. Real-world examples, like ransomware attacks, have highlighted the financial and operational impacts, prompting practical responses to cybersecurity resilience.

Kimerle emphasized adopting the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for a structured approach to risk reduction. Collaboration within the healthcare industry is essential, with chief information officers seeking integrated end-to-end solutions rather than piecemeal tools.

Smaller hospitals with limited IT resources are turning to service solutions for expertise. External advisors are recommended even for organizations with in-house cybersecurity experts to uncover vulnerabilities.

The healthcare sector is shifting its focus from preventing ransomware to rapid recovery. Expanding threat surfaces, including remote work and the Internet of Things, have created new entry points for cyberattacks. “Adaptive resilience” is emerging as a trend, with tiered resiliency strategies to reduce cyber risk by maintaining multiple copies of data for rapid restoration.

Cybersecurity in the healthcare sector has been a growing concern in recent years, and it is one of the major topics of discussion at the annual Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) meeting. Medical imaging is one of the largest users of off-site cloud data storage, so Health Imaging spoke with radiology archive and data protection vendor Pure Storage at HIMSS 2023 about what trends they are seeing in the market.

Jon Kimerle, Epic Alliance Manager at Pure Storage, said cybersecurity has become a major concern in the last five to eight years because of the increase in cyberattacks and numerous high-profile health system data breeches that gave real-world examples of what to defend against. This includes ransomware attacks and the costs involved in fixing things after attack, as well as the loss of service and financial impact overall from these attacks that can take months to recover from.

“I think those real-life examples are informing both the cyber insurance companies along with health system boards about the cybersecurity response that is needed. It is kind of like a theoretical threat that is infinite, but if you have a concrete example of what occurs, then you can plan for it better. So we’re seeing a lot more practical responses to cybersecurity resiliency,” Kimerle explained.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework and collaboration

When hospitals seek to improve their cybersecurity measures, Kimerle emphasizes the importance of adopting a structured approach. He recommends using the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework as a foundation for developing cybersecurity strategies. This framework provides a comprehensive and standardized approach to managing and reducing cybersecurity risks.

Collaboration within the healthcare industry is another critical trend. Healthcare chief information officers (CIOs) are increasingly looking for a more integrated and end-to-end solution to reduce risk effectively. Rather than relying on piecemeal point solutions, they seek cohesive cybersecurity tools and services that work together seamlessly. “They are looking for the ecosystem to come together and offer them a more end-to-end solution to fundamentally reduce their risk,” he said. 

Addressing cybersecurity challenges for smaller hospitals

Smaller hospitals with limited IT resources often face unique challenges in cybersecurity. Many are now turning to service solutions from vendors, such as managed detection and response, to access expertise and support without the need for extensive in-house cybersecurity teams. These services provide a more personalized and hands-on approach to cybersecurity for organizations lacking dedicated IT expertise.

Even healthcare facilities with substantial IT staff and in-house cybersecurity experts are urged not to become overly confident. Kimerle highlights the value of bringing in external advisors to examine systems from fresh perspectives. Regular audits and assessments help uncover vulnerabilities and potential risks that internal teams may overlook.

“I think for those organizations that need a more white glove end-to-end concierge approach, we’re seeing cybersecurity companies that can offer that as a service, get access to their expertise, but only what they need. They are looking for trusted advisors or new advisors to come in and look at things that you haven’t looked at. You want to make sure the unknowns become known to you through these advisors,” Kimerle explained.

Healthcare ransomware and rapid recovery

Ransomware attacks continue to be a substantial threat in the healthcare sector. While complete prevention may be elusive, organizations are shifting their focus toward rapid recovery. The ability to restore critical systems and data swiftly is now a top priority. This shift from merely backing up data to ensuring fast recovery from backups is a notable trend in healthcare cybersecurity.

Expanding threat surfaces and adaptive resilience in cybersecurity

While employees opening emails with ransomware attachments is one of the primary ways attackers infiltrate health systems, Kimerle said a growing threat is from the major increase in the IT surface that can now be attacked because of staff working remotely and the internet of things (IoT). Health systems have seen a massive growth since COVID of employees who can, working from home. Hospitals also have seen a massive growth in their IoTs, where everything from imaging scanners, contrast injectors, patient tracking tags, patient monitors, mobile computing, computerized medication carts, and inventory control systems all connected to wireless networks pose a multitude of new cyberattack entry points. 

“You’ve got the FDA regulated medical devices that you can’t keep patched because of the FDA requirements. And so clearly healthcare has a fundamentally large surface on which threats can attack. So again, you’re looking at the solutions community for solutions to inventory all the medical devices and create some actionable plans to plug those gaps. And again, that’s where I think it’s not just a single solution. It’s really figuring out how the industry can work together to take care of all the threats,” he said.

Kimerle said “adaptive resilience” is another emerging trend. Healthcare institutions are diversifying their data protection strategies, using tiered resiliency to decrease cyber risk. This includes having multiple copies of data available on the primary array for rapid restoration, making data less vulnerable to cyberattacks.

The post Trends and tips in healthcare cybersecurity appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.

A survey by Propeller Insights for Carta Healthcare reveals that American patients are divided over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Of 1,027 surveyed, 49% are comfortable with AI use by healthcare providers, but 51% are not. However, when AI’s potential to improve diagnostic accuracy is considered, 51% become comfortable. Despite AI’s growing presence in healthcare, 75% of patients lack trust in it, citing concerns about data privacy and impacts on patient-provider relationships. Many patients admit to limited understanding of AI in healthcare, with 80% emphasizing the importance of AI education. AI chatbots show promise in patient interactions, yet trust in AI remains an issue.

American patients are split as to whether they are comfortable with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their healthcare experience, according to survey data from Propeller Insights on behalf of Carta Healthcare, although many patients admit there’s more they need to learn about the technology. Among the 1,027 adult patients surveyed, 49 percent said they were comfortable with their healthcare provider using AI, while 51 percent were not. When asked to consider how AI could improve diagnostic accuracy, those numbers shifted to 51 percent being comfortable and 42 percent being uncomfortable with their providers using AI.

These numbers come as the potential for artificial intelligence in healthcare builds. Data has shown that AI can improve healthcare for patients by boosting diagnostic accuracy, while generative AI and tools similar to ChatGPT have opened doors for providers searching for patient information and for patients looking for medical advice from already time-strapped doctors.

AI is starting to proliferate the healthcare market, the Propeller Insights and Carta survey showed, with researchers contending that 100 percent of provider offices are using the technology. But patients are wary of healthcare AI, both in terms of trusting it and even knowing much about it.

Overall, 75 percent of patients do not trust AI in a healthcare setting, with three in five saying they aren’t sure their provider would be able to use the technology properly. Two in five respondents indicated that their provider could provide better information than AI could, while a third said they’d be on par, and a quarter said AI would outperform their provider. Regardless of the accuracy of AI-communicated information, patients are worried about their data privacy, with 63 percent saying they are concerned that the use of AI in healthcare would put their health information at risk.

Others are worried about how AI would affect their patient-provider relationships, which most respondents reported are currently good. Three-quarters of respondents said their providers already provide empirical scientific data about their conditions, 62 percent reported a good experience with the healthcare system, and 61 percent said they have good health data access.

Just under half (46 percent) said their healthcare visits have gotten longer in the past two years, a good sign for a meaningful patient-provider relationship. But 63 percent fear use of AI in healthcare would change that by decreasing the amount of face time they get with their clinicians.

Still, patients know there are gaps in their understanding of AI in healthcare (43 percent said their knowledge is limited), and that could change how they feel about the technology. In fact, 80 percent of respondents said their knowledge of AI use in healthcare is important for improving their comfort levels. Around two-thirds said healthcare providers should explain how they use AI to make patients feel more comfortable with the technology.

Preliminary data has shown that AI has benefits for the patient experience. Notably, AI-powered chatbots can supplement how patients communicate with their healthcare providers, many of whom are time-pressured and unable to quickly respond to every patient portal query.Using generative AI and large language models, chatbots have proven effective for patient education, as some studies have shown. In a separate report, researchers found that AI chatbots were able to communicate empathy in patient portal messages when providers could not. This isn’t because providers lack empathy, the team cautioned; rather, clinicians are often pressed for time in a way chatbots clearly are not.

Even still, patient trust in healthcare artificial intelligence is left wanting, as data separate from the Propeller Insights and Carta Healthcare report has shown. A report from the University of Arizona Health Sciences showed that around half of patients don’t fully trust AI-powered medical advice, like the information issued from chatbots like ChatGPT. Instead, patients still trust and prefer their traditional healthcare providers.

The post Patients Split on Trust in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Experience appeared first on InnoHEALTH magazine.