Growing Risks That Medical-Health Businesses Can’t Afford To Ignore

Doctors and nurses face significant drawbacks that can put them and their patients at risk when it comes to healthcare careers. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that working in a hospital is a unique and challenging environment. The pandemic has been instrumental in casting a light on the most common issues faced by doctors and nurses:

• Nontraditional schedule
• Exposure to health risks
• Long shifts
• Lack of budget and support
• Difficulties in cooperating with other healthcare institutes 
• Lack of tech and IT strategy

As the pandemic crisis is slowing down, it becomes essential for medical-health businesses worldwide to address some of their most urgent issues. 

IT strategy

Unfortunately, while computer networks are essential to coordinate shifts, manage patients’ data and overall operations, the healthcare sector has often made a choice NOT to prioritize IT investments because of:

• High costs
• Lack of funds
• Lack of overall IT strategy

Ransomware attacks have not dropped during the pandemic. Therefore, hospitals and other healthcare institutions can’t afford to ignore IT security risks any longer.

Indeed, 45% of ransomware attacks in 2017 involved medical organizations, and the trend shows no sign of stopping. Prioritizing IT health in the healthcare sector is a must, including employee screening and cybersecurity MSP support. 

Reducing wait time

In the U.S., the median wait time for patients in the emergency department is approximately 40 minutes before they can see a specialist. The reason behind the long wait time is complex.

Doctors and nurses have an obligation to see everyone, making it hard to avoid wait time altogether. Additionally, limited tech access means that patients must wait until the doctor can get an available slot to specific machines. Yet, the medical tech could be made more easily accessible to the staff via portable devices, such as handheld GE ultrasound machines, which can be used to filter patients rapidly. While budget remains a problem, portable technology can present multiple advantages:

• Less expensive for pre-screening and filtering
• Decrease wait time
• Increase patient support ability (and therefore revenue for the hospital)

Google is my doctor

According to a study, almost 9 in 10 Americans turn to Google for their health symptoms. Unfortunately, medical information is readily available online doesn’t replace specialist knowledge and expertise.

More often than not, Americans prefer to rely on search engines to diagnose their healthcare issues. There could be many reasons behind this behavior, ranging from embarrassment describing symptoms to a doctor to difficulty making an appointment.

Unfortunately, the self-diagnose trend could have dramatic consequences as Americans attempt to self-medicate their conditions.

This could aggravate the existing disorder, put their health at risk, or contribute to the development of further issues. For hospitals and other healthcare specialists, preventing self-medication risks is a priority. As patients turn to the web for health support, doctors can also grow their digital presence through:

• Active social media campaigns (such as Dr. Mike)
• Informative blogs
• AMA (Ask Me Anything) event on social media such as Instagram or Reddit
• Online appointments and chats

The healthcare sector must address the growing threats that can affect the patients. Indeed, IT threats can make it difficult to protect or access patient data, impacting the care they receive. Additionally, the lack of simple and portable tech prevents patient care and increases wait time. Finally, patients are more likely to turn to Google for help rather than reaching out to a doctor, potentially ignoring live-changing symptoms.