healthcare Archives - Security Buyer Magazine

NHS Hospital Transforms with i-PRO Camera System

i-PRO announced that an NHS teaching hospital in Northeast England, has enhanced its security infrastructure with i-PRO X-Series cameras integrated with Milestone’s XProtect Video Management Software (VMS). The hospital, known for its forward-thinking approach to medicine and healthcare, is part of the National Health Service (NHS) Trust in the Northeast of the UK. Over the past decade, the hospital has made significant advancements in its security infrastructure, transitioning from analog CCTV systems to a fully IP-based setup. As part of this transformation, the hospital recently installed 25 i-PRO X-Series edge-processing cameras. The hospital’s goal was to enhance the security of its large campus using the latest AI-enabled camera technology while optimizing operations. The Challenge: The main challenge the hospital faced was upgrading portions of its existing security system with state-of-the-art, AI-enabled cameras without exceeding strict public sector budget constraints and with minimal disruption to the daily operations of a busy hospital. Additionally, with a vast campus and numerous security vulnerabilities, the hospital required a solution that could extend the capabilities of existing non-AI cameras while providing enhanced monitoring capabilities. “The primary challenge was upgrading the system within budget limitations while maintaining a high level of security and operational efficiency,” said Chris Lakin, Director at Oracle Vision, the system integrator overseeing the project. “This client wanted a solution that could integrate with their current infrastructure, provide advanced AI capabilities to better protect hospital patients, staff, and assets while being adaptable for future needs.” The Solution: After a detailed assessment, the hospital decided to install i-PRO X-Series edge-processing cameras, a premium and innovative solution that delivers exceptional value while seamlessly integrating with Milestone’s XProtect VMS platform. Importantly, these cameras enabled the hospital to add AI functionality to their existing, non-AI cameras—an innovation that allowed them to maximize the potential of their current equipment without needing to replace all cameras. The X-Series AI cameras are equipped with the AI Processing Relay feature, which allows non-AI cameras, including those from other manufacturers, to gain AI capabilities. Such an approach maximizes the life of existing surveillance systems while significantly reducing false alarms. The hospital was able to enhance its video protection capabilities with new AI features across 100 cameras by installing 25 i-PRO X-Series AI cameras and linking them with their existing non-AI models. “It was a bit of a no-brainer for the hospital. With i-PRO, they didn’t need to replace their entire fleet of cameras to gain important new functionality. We were able to upgrade their existing system by adding AI capabilities to 75 existing non-AI cameras, helping them maximize value while staying within budget,” says Lakin. “The flexibility of i-PRO’s AI Processing Relay app is impressive. It turns any connected camera into an AI-enhanced solution. This system now allows the hospital to achieve a level of security and operational insight that wasn’t previously possible with their older equipment.” Advanced AI Capabilities The i-PRO X-Series AI cameras include on-site learning features that allow the hospital’s security team to customize what the cameras can detect and monitor. For example, operators can teach the cameras to recognize specific objects, such as vehicles or individuals, and receive alerts when certain behaviors or activities occur in sensitive areas like emergency entrances. The hospital also benefits from AI-driven analytics, which help security staff manage crowd control, identify suspicious behavior, and even integrate with their Paxton access control system. The cameras are connected to the hospital’s XProtect Smart Wall, where events triggered by AI analytics or access control events, such as a security breach or abnormal behavior, automatically display on screen, allowing staff to respond in real time. Futureproofing with Advanced AI Features The i-PRO X-Series cameras utilize Ambarella’s AI SoC (CV52) to provide high-performance edge computing, enabling the hospital to handle complex analytics locally without burdening the network. With the capability to run nine different AI applications, such as i-PRO’s Privacy Guard, which blurs the faces or the entire bodies of patients for privacy, the cameras can allow the hospital to enhance its security while also gathering operational metrics such as tracking the movement of specific equipment or personnel across the campus. i-PRO’s cameras also feature a Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) of up to 144dB, ensuring superior image quality in all lighting conditions. With models offering up to 6MP resolution and IR illumination up to 70 meters, the cameras deliver high-definition video regardless of the environment. Results: By implementing i-PRO’s X-Series AI cameras, the hospital has enhanced its security infrastructure while remaining within tight budgetary constraints. The advanced AI capabilities provide the hospital with real-time alerts and automation features that streamline its security operations. Most notably, the flexibility of i-PRO’s cameras allowed the hospital to effectively upgrade 100 cameras with AI features by installing only 25 i-PRO cameras, providing exceptional value while future-proofing its investment. To read more news and exclusives, see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: LinkedIn: Security Buyer Twitter (X): @SecurityBuyer Facebook: @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Are your medical records safe?

Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Cyberattacks on healthcare demand robust data management, secure disposal practices, and collaborative cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive patient data and services, Rebecca Spayne, Managing Editor, investigates The healthcare sector is increasingly becoming a prime target for cyberattacks, with significant incidents underscoring the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. One of the most prominent examples is the recent cyber-attack on the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, which involved sensitive data being stolen and published on the dark web. These attacks are typically orchestrated by sophisticated cybercriminal groups, often referred to as ransomware gangs, who aim to exploit vulnerabilities within healthcare systems for financial gain or to cause widespread disruption. In the case of the NHS attack, the perpetrators were likely motivated by the high value of the data they could exfiltrate. Patient records and personally identifiable information (PII) are gold mines for cybercriminals, as this data can be sold on the dark web for significant sums of money or used to commit fraud and identity theft. The attackers managed to access a vast amount of sensitive data, disrupting healthcare services, and putting patient safety at risk. The impact of such cyberattacks on the public is profound and multifaceted. Firstly, there is the immediate disruption to healthcare services. The NHS attack led to the cancellation and redirection of several medical procedures, causing delays in treatment and potential deterioration in patient health. This type of disruption is not only inconvenient but can be life-threatening, particularly for emergency cases. Moreover, the exposure of sensitive personal data has long-term consequences for affected individuals. Victims of such breaches may face financial loss, identity theft, and ongoing stress and anxiety about the misuse of their personal information. The breach also erodes public trust in healthcare institutions, which are seen as custodians of highly sensitive personal data. In addition to the direct impacts on individuals, there are broader societal implications. Healthcare systems are part of a nation’s critical infrastructure, and their compromise can lead to a ripple effect, straining other public services and creating widespread unease. The NHS attack serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within healthcare systems and the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect both the institutions and the individuals they serve. Cyber Attacks on Healthcare Fredrik Forslund, Vice President and General Manager International at Blancco, highlights the frequent occurrence of ransomware attacks on healthcare organisations like the NHS due to the sensitive data they hold and their often outdated IT systems. The repercussions of such attacks are severe, leading to the cancellation of operations and the diversion of emergency patients, which can pose a genuine threat to life. Forslund notes, “The problem is according to Blancco’s ‘Data at a Distance’ report, many healthcare organisations store too much data and struggle to properly categorise, manage, and dispose of data that is no longer useful. 63% of healthcare providers state an increase in redundant, obsolete, or trivial (ROT) data.” The retention of excessive data expands the attack surface for cybercriminals, making more information susceptible to breaches and ransomware attacks. Forslund emphasises the necessity for healthcare organisations to limit data collection and retention to only what is essential for operations. He suggests establishing clear policies and processes for the secure disposal of end-of-life data, including categorising data by sensitivity, using approved data destruction methods, and ensuring proper documentation. By optimising data management, the NHS can reduce its risk exposure and allocate more resources towards strengthening critical systems. Addressing end-of-life data is an important yet often overlooked component of an effective healthcare cybersecurity strategy. The focus on end-of-life data management is crucial because outdated and unnecessary data can serve as a gateway for cybercriminals. These malicious actors often target ROT data, exploiting it to gain a foothold within the system and subsequently launch broader attacks. By ensuring that data no longer needed for operational purposes is securely disposed of, healthcare organisations can significantly minimise potential entry points for cyber attackers. One of the challenges in managing end-of-life data is the sheer volume of information that healthcare organisations deal with daily. With electronic health records, patient histories, and numerous other data points being generated continuously, the task of categorising and securely deleting unnecessary data can seem daunting. However, the implementation of comprehensive data lifecycle management policies can streamline this process. This involves setting clear guidelines on how long specific types of data should be retained and the methods for its secure destruction once it is no longer required… Read the full article for free in our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Antoine Harb_Team Leader Middle East_Kingston Technology. (1)

Healthcare entities and employees ‘must overcome cybercrime’

Middle East Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Boasting world-class data protection capabilities has never been more essential for companies across industries. While tremendous cyber security advancements have been made, unprecedented transformation has inadvertently instigated significant rises in ransomware attacks. Select sectors and organisations within are strategic targets now more than ever – and healthcare is a primary area of interest to hackers. Kingston Technology, an affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, is calling on healthcare entities to enhance their preparedness and prevent unauthorised access to confidential information. With the collective healthcare community experiencing a sharp increase in breach attempts, Kingston Technology insist that the very latest hardware encrypted products can prove invaluable for safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI). “Cybercrime is one of the most pressing and concerning issues healthcare must manage and overcome – now and in the future,” explained Antoine Harb, Team Leader, Middle East and North Africa, Kingston Technology. “New threats are emerging continuously and the sector has never been under greater pressure to prevent breaches. Hackers have identified the value of compromised healthcare data. The volume of attacks is increasing substantially and this is major cause for concern. “However, healthcare entities are well aware of the potential legal and reputational consequences should PHI be compromised,” explained Antoine Harb, Team Leader, Middle East and North Africa, Kingston Technology. “From the very top levels of leadership down, we see a real determination to repel these threats, which is warranted and prudent given the cost implications of failing to meet data protection rules, regulations, and requirements.” For healthcare entities, the reality is clear: PHI must be protected at all costs. The 2023 IBM Cost of Data Breach Report provided a stark illustration of the consequences should PHI be compromised, highlighting the average cost of a healthcare data breach globally reached $10.93 million in 2023. This was the highest among all industries and represents a drastic increase of 53.3% in just three years. In the Middle East, the cost implications are not far behind, reaching $9.186 million this year. This is higher than regional record-high average of $8 million including all sectors. “While critical to the sustainable operation of all healthcare facilities, PHI is in high demand on the black market,” continued Harb. “Breaching hospital or other healthcare facility systems and acquiring such sensitive and classified information represents an opportunity for malicious actors to receive significant sums of money and meet their cyber-business objectives. As a result, cyber attacks are on the rise. They are being experienced with record frequency and adequate protection is a non-negotiable necessity.” A standout example highlighting the need for adequate projection transpired in 2021 when the Dubai Moorfields Eye Hospital experienced a cyberattack. Ransomware group ‘AvosLocker’ claimed responsibility after 60GB of data was stolen, compelling the hospital to contact affected patients as various forms of PHI were decrypted. However, fast-forward to 2023 and many healthcare entities could experience similar infringements given outdated security measures. Earlier this year, a credible report found that 72% of top hospitals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are falling behind on basic cybersecurity measures, with only 28% boasting the required level of protection[1]. Furthermore, the professionals within healthcare facilities are also liable for safeguarding PHI. As per the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), they are bound by law to protect PHI from being disclosed without patient knowledge or consent. Aside from criminal penalties including prison sentences and/or substantial fines when disclosed intentionally, violating HIPPA rules and regulations unintentionally can also be costly. For instance, a maximum fine of $25,000 per year can be issued if an individual was unaware that they were committing a violation. Kingston Technology is adamant in its stance that password-protected, hardware-encrypted USB drives are the best, most secure method for meeting data protection regulations and operating with world-class data defense. Forged to be secure, the company’s Kingston IronKey product line caters to healthcare entities of all kinds – ensuring the necessary protection to dispel cyberattacks. Among those most prudent for healthcare sector organizations is the Kingston IronKey D500S hardware-encrypted USB flash drive, which features flagship military-grade security that makes Kingston IronKey the trusted brand to safeguard classified information. A complete security solution for high-value data protection, data is encrypted and decrypted on the D500S without any trace left on the host system and offers more features than any other drive in its class. Others include drives from the Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 series, which are OS-independent, hardware-encrypted USB Type-A and USB Type-C drives with an alphanumeric keypad for easy-to-use PIN access. The KP200 incorporates XTS-AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption and boasts enhancements that further raise the bar for data protection. Its circuitry is covered by a layer of special epoxy that makes it virtually impossible to remove components without damaging them, and the drive is designed to be tamper-evident to alert owners. “Healthcare entities and their employees must protect the data they are entrusted with,” added Harb. “Whether intentionally or accidentally, failure to meet this requirement can entail severe repercussions, which can be avoided with assistance for the latest innovations available on the market.” Read more exclusives and news in our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Traka identifies technology in healthcare to enhance patient care

News Desk / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Traka has launched a new white paper that seeks to identify the ‘wealth of opportunities’ to help the NHS and healthcare professionals to meet rising demand through innovation and technology. The discussion paper, entitled: “How Technology is set to Improve Security & Patient Care in 2023” ’ highlights the immediate challenges faced by the NHS and the solutions available that could be seen as ‘enablers of change.’ Traka highlights the essential need to build a strong case from the ground up, identifying how even small changes can make a significant difference, not only for an NHS team, but also in the efficiency of service and ultimately patient care. Says Ben Farrar, Traka UK’s Market Development manager and author of the white paper: “This winter the pressures facing the NHS have been evident like never before. Services have been stretched, waiting times continue to increase and hospitals have had to cope with strike action and disenchanted staff. With current budgets being squeezed further, funding for the NHS seems unlikely; instead reforms will be driven through efficiencies. “As the NHS comes under increasing strain, when looking at reforms, leaders must focus on how to improve productivity within healthcare operations. In this white paper, we highlight how no element of an organisation works in isolation. Creating a more efficient system using latest technology means understanding how different services complement each other, and how they can work together to deliver better results.” The white paper draws on the different pledges for the NHS, including meeting demands in a ‘new world,’ identified as the post-COVID environment. Cont/d… This includes the need for high quality care factored against the significant impact on the NHS staff, who are described as ‘exhausted and demoralised.’ Discussed is the way to move forward with a renewed perspective on healthcare. This embraces putting people front and centre and supporting positive mental and physical wellbeing to positively impact patient outcomes and attract new talent. Here technology factored into the design of any refurbishment or new build plans has already proven to optimise healthcare facilities. Ben concludes: “All NHS staff deserve a huge amount of recognition for the work they do. Their impact on society as we saw during COVID, cannot be overstated. Doctors and nurses are the first that come to mind; their roles, of course, are absolutely vital to a successful NHS. It is equally important for us to think beyond these headline workers and acknowledge the role done by non-clinical staff who keep things going in the background. In this white paper, we take a holistic approach to use of technology to explore the different applications, with real life case studies to identify success. We acknowledge this is just the start of a very complex conversation and would love to see it as an opportunity to open a debate and explore the opportunities further.” To read the full exclusive and other news stories and exclusives, see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Data security upgrade by ANSecurity helps Lincolnshire health organisations save £100,000

Connected medical devices leaving patients vulnerable

UK News Desk / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The increasing adoption of connected medical devices is accelerating cyberattacks, according to Capterra’s Medical IoT Survey of healthcare IT professionals. Devices with IoT sensors, such as glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and defibrillators, often have unprotected security vulnerabilities that endanger healthcare facilities, and even patients themselves. According to Capterra’s survey, medical practices with more than 70% of their devices connected are 24% more likely to experience a cyberattack than practices with 50% or fewer connected devices. The survey also reveals that 67% of healthcare cyberattacks impact patient data and 48% impact patient care, an indication that rising security risks in the industry are leading to severe consequences in patient outcomes and privacy. Although the majority of healthcare IT staff rate the cybersecurity threat level in the industry as high or extreme, many are not taking the necessary steps to protect medical IoT devices. Over half (57%) do not always change the default username and password for each new connected medical device that is put into use, and 82% run connected medical devices on old Windows systems. Simon Randall, CEO and Co-Founder of PIMLOC, video privacy and analytics platform, provides further insight: “No matter how unlikely the target, individuals and organisations must be diligent about good cybersecurity on every device that is connected to the internet. Cyber criminals will take advantage of any vulnerability for their own ends, so it is important that there are no chinks in the armour for a threat actor to exploit. When it comes to healthcare, it is not only the usual cache of data – such as usernames, contact details, and passwords – that is at risk, but also intimate details about individuals’ bodies and wellbeing. This information must be closely guarded, and stored as securely as possible, to prevent data leaks as well as criminal threats. Although it can be useful to upload and transfer the data for analysis and treatment purposes, it is essential that this is handled with the utmost sensitivity – organisations might even consider anonymising information to minimise the risk if any leaks did occur and to allow for compliant sharing of data.” To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer UK @SecurityBuyerUK @SecbuyerUK Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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The solution is wireless

Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Thomas Schulz of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions explores the four places where wireless access control is helping healthcare premises prepare for the future At every medical facility, patients expect and deserve privacy and safety. Yet at the same time, most buildings must be welcoming, even open around the clock. The protection of drugs and confidential data is critical — and every breach demands thorough investigation. Such challenges exceed what mechanical access management is designed to meet. Hospitals, for example, are often large and spread out. Their locks may need to integrate with fire detection, CCTV and other building systems. Labs and pharmacies are safer when access is managed with time-limited “keys” which can be revoked. In care homes, security must be user-friendly for clients who may have limited dexterity or learning skills. Here, real-time control and monitoring can help managers to react quickly in an emergency — or to prevent one. Expecting all this asks too much of traditional lock-and-key security. Yet wiring security doors as an alternative is an expensive, often impractical retrofit option. The solution is wireless. Wireless devices provide the easiest upgrade or replacement for any access system based on mechanical or magnetic locks. Credentials including RFID smartcards, intelligent programmable keys or mobile keys on a smartphone replace cumbersome physical keys. Wireless components make it cost-effective to add electronic control to many more areas of a building. With online locking systems, facility managers can monitor and manage premises in real time, even viewing the status of medicine cupboards or server racks from one software interface. Upgrade security and save cost When Groupe Hospitalier Mutualiste Portes du Sud looked to modernize door security, their focus was clear: A battery-powered rather than wired solution was required to meet the hospital’s access control challenges. Like any healthcare setting, Portes du Sud must ensure their premises are an open space for the public while simultaneously keeping medicines, staff, equipment and sensitive data secure. Every user group — from doctors, nurses, patients and their visitors to a host of temporary and contract workers — needs access rights tailored to their own demands and schedule. Hospital doors are now locked securely with battery-powered, wireless escutcheons: “One SMARTairÒ escutcheon on its own replaces a wired reader, an electrical connection and a magnetic lock. And it is just as safe,” says Frédéric Steenhoute at Groupe Hospitalier Mutualiste Portes du Sud. All credentials, door devices and users are managed from user-friendly software. When someone loses their badge, managers cancel it with a couple of clicks, which saves the money and time wasted changing locks in a mechanical system. If property goes missing, it’s easy to trace who went where and when, which keeps equipment and personal belongings safer. And with no metal keys to order — badges are fast and cost-efficient to print from their own printer — the hospital saves money, including in the everyday management of staff and temporary contractors. “The fact we can assign rights to a whole team, and also specific rights to two or three people at the same time, is very useful,” adds Steenhoute. Choosing wireless access control enables hospital managers to do all this — as well as install and maintain the system — in-house, which saves even more time and money. “Wireless solutions allow us to be autonomous,” he explains. “It is very easy to remove an escutcheon from one door and to install it on another door; all our technicians can do it.” Integrated access control with sustainability in mind Planning elderly care involves thinking about the… To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Essence Group expands security offering

News Desk / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Essence Group, a technology group developing IoT-based security, safety and healthcare solutions for homes, families and businesses, has announced it is expanding into the enterprise security market by offering a turnkey and customisable security solution for the enterprise market that will protect people and assets. This expansion into the enterprise market is a significant development for the Group’s security business, which has provided solutions to millions of residential and commercial customers for 27 years. Essence Group sees its expertise, technologies and existing partnerships as perfectly suited for larger scale security projects, including smart cities and campuses, airports and other transport hubs, stadiums, arenas and industrial areas. “We are excited to bring to the enterprise market our 27 years of knowledge and experience in the security industry, where we have developed and produced sophisticated solutions used in millions of homes and commercial premises worldwide,” said Yaniv Amir, CEO of Essence USA. Essence Group will offer a comprehensive solution comprising both on-premises security capabilities and mobile safety solutions for people wherever they are. The AI-based network and 5G-enabled solutions comprise video monitoring and edge analytics for premises; personal safety and protection for remote workers and students; and intruder deterrence and prevention. Video technologies deployed will be NDAA compliant to allow the cloud-based systems to be deployed in sensitive scenarios. The Essence Solution can be used in greenfield applications or integrated into existing security and first response monitoring centres. The offering will also include the Umbrella mobile personal emergency response system (mPERS), an ultra-small and discreet device that integrates with Essence’s multi-service cloud. Comprising built-in fall detection, real-time activity monitoring and two-way voice capabilities, it is suited for a range of security settings, including lone worker scenarios. Another important element is MyShield, a CES 2022 Innovation Awards Honouree. The advanced, 5G-enabled all-in-one monitoring and intervention device can be used in sensitive areas that are usually unmanned. It provides both video and voice monitoring, with a proprietary smoke generating capability to clear intruders and deter security incidents within seconds, acting as a true first responder to critical incidents. Each of Essence Group’s cutting-edge elements is designed to be cost-effective, limiting the need for human surveillance in scenarios such as monitoring parking lots (with license plate recognition), campus facilities after hours, doors and access points, crowd size and hallway traffic, weather and campus perimeters. “This portfolio of products is perfectly suited for the complex security challenges faced by enterprises, especially those that manage remote employees within large complex facilities and campuses,” said Stephen Burd, the Head of the new Essence Enterprise Solutions Division. “We also believe that we have the perfect solutions for US smart city initiatives, which are becoming more and more common given today’s security concerns.” Essence Group will showcase its enterprise offering, along with other connected security and care solutions – including the MyShield5G intruder prevention system and VitalOn remote patient monitoring platform, both CES 2022 Innovation Awards Honourees – at its booth, #52753 at CES, from 5-8 January, 2022. To read more news and exclusive features see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Convergence is key

UK Exclusives / Editor

What growing challenges do we expect to see in the healthcare sector in the next year, find out from the top industry experts As we enter a new year in a continued evolving environment from the remnants of a global pandemic, we take a look at the biggest security predictions to the Healthcare sector for 2022 focusing on biometrics, convergence, cybersecurity and more. Hear from our security experts on what they are expecting to see most of during 2022 in the healthcare sector. Healthcare facilities face many challenges in terms of security. When thinking about security solutions to protect assets, staff and visitors/patients, healthcare management must consider cyber related precautions, data protection, pharmaceutical, machinery and asset security as well as the physical foundations of building and people safety. As healthcare facilities can be incredibly emotionally volatile places, all these measures must be carefully considered. So what growing challenges can we see continuing and appearing in 2022 and beyond? Rise in biometrics The Covid 19 pandemic created a whirlwind of changes to healthcare and brought in a new era of digital health that has redefined patient care and will remain the top focus in the industry for many years to come. It has become increasingly simple to monitor a patient’s health in the comfort of their home. In fact, home-based wearable and implantable biosensors, such as smart jewellery like the Oura and Apple Watch, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), KardiaMobile EKG app, CardioMEMS device, and Bluetooth-enabled medical devices such as stethoscopes have become more prevalent and more accessible to consumers. Demand for this technology will only increase as at-home or on-the-go physician monitoring continues to grow, fueling adoption by healthcare practitioners. While these consumer-grade biometrics, including trackers and wearable devices, are making a substantial difference by allowing physicians to track a patient’s activity level, calories burned, sleep duration, and even their grocery list outside of a clinical setting, physicians are still sceptical of the information and statistics gathered. At this point, many healthcare practitioners view consumer wearable biometric devices as screening tools and seek confirmatory testing using more traditional medical equipment such as electrocardiograms to validate information enough to add to a patient’s health record or make an informed decision about treatment methods or lifestyle changes. With the enablement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, these “consumer-level” products will shift into “medical-grade” products. Therefore, physicians and hospitals will attempt to create ways to integrate the data into the healthcare system and the electronic medical record (EMR) for a more integrated patient journey. Many concerns may arise during that transition including the quality, cleanliness, and appropriateness of that data and the risk of information overload on the EMR and thus the healthcare professional. Remote onboarding of patients was barely in its infancy pre-pandemic, but the sudden necessity of delivering high-volume digital health services (or “telehealth” services) led to a frantic adoption of makeshift digital identity processes that, to be candid, weren’t always so robust, convenient, or secure. We expect several things about this to change in 2022. One of which is healthcare payers and providers are likely to rethink many of their existing digital identity processes and replace One Time Passwords (OTPs) and other legacy factors with biometric-based patient onboarding and ongoing authentication, which is both exponentially more convenient and more secure. For more news updates and exclusive features, check out our Q2 issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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CAREFUL app to aid doctors

UK News Desk / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Thousands of patients are dying every year and hospitals are wasting up to 15% of their entire budget as a result of poor handover. The UK NHS wastes at least £250m a year from delays to discharge and the same problem is seen in hospitals throughout the world. Today, healthcare start-up CAREFUL has launched its platform to help make handover safe, save lives and speed-up patient flow in hospitals by making discharges quicker to save costs and improve care. Handover is a critical process in healthcare when responsibility for patients transfers from one clinician or team to another. In every hospital, thousands of such handovers take place every week. Most hospitals use a combination of inefficient, informal communication systems for handover including bits of paper, sticky notes and WhatsApp messages. Established in 2021, Careful has been testing and building its tech platform to enable clinicians to seamlessly capture and update health data and records of patients in hospital care. CAREFUL is a digital health platform that enables visibility, accountability and collaboration as patients move through different care settings and interact with different care-givers. The platform provides hospitals, clinicians and multidisciplinary teams with a constantly updated, holistic view of every patient’s plan of care to ensure their safe and frictionless movement throughout their health journey. Research from CAREFUL shows a quarter of all doctors and nurses worldwide use spreadsheets to record lists of patients and tasks. A clear view of the status of the hospital — and predicting future flows — is obscured. Staff don’t know what’s happening and nor do the patients. Even in digitally advanced hospitals, critical tasks are regularly lost or forgotten. “All these headaches can be solved quickly and easily with CAREFUL,” says Dr DJ Hamblin-Brown, Founder & CEO of the company. “CAREFUL is a simple-to-use and easy-to-implement application which helps hospitals communicate internally and also with patients and their families”. Dr Hamblin-Brown was motivated to build CAREFUL because his mother nearly died from a simple communication failure in a UK hospital. He adds, “Although clinicians take handover very seriously, errors still occur because staff are let down by the systems they are forced to use. With desperate shortages of clinical staff, hospitals need CAREFUL to help save money and save lives.” The WHO estimates that 15% of all hospital expenditure is wasted on adverse events that happen to patients – and that 80% of these are due to poor handover. This causes serious harm to patients, sometimes with fatal outcomes. Inadequate systems leave staff over-burdened and stressed, leading to resignations and burnout. Errors also cause delays. Beds are taken up by patients who should be discharged. Once at home, the problems continue. No one knows what the next steps are and patients are often lost to follow-up. Together this costs every hospital millions every year. For more news updates, check out our Q2 issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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CAREFUL app to aid doctors

News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

Thousands of patients are dying every year and hospitals are wasting up to 15% of their entire budget as a result of poor handover. The UK NHS wastes at least £250m a year from delays to discharge and the same problem is seen in hospitals throughout the world. Today, healthcare start-up CAREFUL has launched its platform to help make handover safe, save lives and speed-up patient flow in hospitals by making discharges quicker to save costs and improve care. Handover is a critical process in healthcare when responsibility for patients transfers from one clinician or team to another. In every hospital, thousands of such handovers take place every week. Most hospitals use a combination of inefficient, informal communication systems for handover including bits of paper, sticky notes and WhatsApp messages. Established in 2021, Careful has been testing and building its tech platform to enable clinicians to seamlessly capture and update health data and records of patients in hospital care. CAREFUL is a digital health platform that enables visibility, accountability and collaboration as patients move through different care settings and interact with different care-givers. The platform provides hospitals, clinicians and multidisciplinary teams with a constantly updated, holistic view of every patient’s plan of care to ensure their safe and frictionless movement throughout their health journey. Research from CAREFUL shows a quarter of all doctors and nurses worldwide use spreadsheets to record lists of patients and tasks. A clear view of the status of the hospital — and predicting future flows — is obscured. Staff don’t know what’s happening and nor do the patients. Even in digitally advanced hospitals, critical tasks are regularly lost or forgotten. “All these headaches can be solved quickly and easily with CAREFUL,” says Dr DJ Hamblin-Brown, Founder & CEO of the company. “CAREFUL is a simple-to-use and easy-to-implement application which helps hospitals communicate internally and also with patients and their families”. Dr Hamblin-Brown was motivated to build CAREFUL because his mother nearly died from a simple communication failure in a UK hospital. He adds, “Although clinicians take handover very seriously, errors still occur because staff are let down by the systems they are forced to use. With desperate shortages of clinical staff, hospitals need CAREFUL to help save money and save lives.” The WHO estimates that 15% of all hospital expenditure is wasted on adverse events that happen to patients – and that 80% of these are due to poor handover. This causes serious harm to patients, sometimes with fatal outcomes. Inadequate systems leave staff over-burdened and stressed, leading to resignations and burnout. Errors also cause delays. Beds are taken up by patients who should be discharged. Once at home, the problems continue. No one knows what the next steps are and patients are often lost to follow-up. Together this costs every hospital millions every year. For more news updates, check out our May issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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