What are the major issues in using Medical Devices

Medical devices do not work standalone any more. They are at one level part of the networks of providers who use them and at another that of all other networks of all other providers they get connected with; courtesy the phenomena of interoperability and Health Information Exchanges. Under such fast changing circumstances, the impact of incidents of hacking, malware and other cybercrimes related to the devices have the potential of taking gigantic proportions. Is there any one stakeholder who is to be blamed for the majority of the accidents that result out of medical devices? A thorough analysis done reveals that the outcome, which in some cases could be really serious, can have a genesis involving any of the concerned ones. For e.g. the manufacturers could be at fault for not issuing regular updates which they are expected to. Because each patch would require a review by the regulators, they might give it a skip altogether in order to evade the process of going through the grill every now and then. The hospitals might not also report all problems as and when they arise. A classic case in point could be devices running on old versions of operating systems which might get affected by malware but would not get updated with the latest version of an antivirus as it would require a review by the regulator. All such activities are not necessarily in the best interests of the patients at large.

A security breach, when it happens in a medical device is not just an instance of patient information getting jeopardized. Technically, from the perspective of a provider, it becomes a HIPPA liability. From getting the device to malfunction it can clearly put at risk the lives of patients. It is not uncommon to hear of incidents of hacking, malware and cybercrimes leading to disastrous outcomes. What is a matter of real concern is that as HITECH pushes forward with its EHR adoption drive, it will eventually lead to medical devices getting tightly connected to EHRs. It will thus increase the possibility of problems arising out of faulty medical devices taking gigantic proportions. Once the Stage 2 of Meaningful Use goes into effect, the widespread presence of interoperability and health information exchanges can result in one infected medical device corrupting distinct EHRs it eventually gets linked with.

For Healthcare facilities, it is highly important to ensure the following

• ensure that there is no unauthorized access made to medical devices or networks
• track and monitor medical devise and network activity continually for early detection of any infection.
• have in place antivirus and firewall which get updated regularly
• stay in touch with manufacturers to stay updated on any particular risk they are aware of
• have provision to isolate devices in the event of their getting infected
• ensure continuation of activities during adverse events also

Most of the medial devices are built in such a manner that anyone who manages to have access to the password can get into the firmware of the devices and potentially change it. Since cyber and intentional attacks are a reality, a loophole like this can easily be exploited; especially if it has something to do with implantable electronic medical devices such as heart defibrillators and insulin pumps. FDA, on realizing this, has made it mandatory starting next year to have in place an agreement which would mean that only the device makers have the required access to alter the programming logic.

Broad guidelines issued to manufacturers require them

• to limit device access
• ensure that individual components have a high degree of protection
• build provision for quick recovery and retention in the event of breakdowns
• be quick to build security for devices keeping in mind the environment they operate in

Many start-up ventures are quite bullish on the potential medical devices have. This has led to a good amount of innovation in this field. Wearable technology is one area which is seeing a lot of traction with projections of the market reaching approximately $6 billion by the year 2016. However, since getting the regulatory sanctions is a critical element in the equation, and the process is expected to be a tough one, venture funds have not flown in at a desired pace yet. Healthcare software development teams can help you customize medical devices as well as build interactive dashboards for you to analyze the data.

We provide mobile health app development services as well. If you would like to hire developers for healthcare application, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Major factors affecting healthcare as it evolves

The true importance of Health IT will be understood only when people start looking upon it as something beyond just electronic health records. Only then, will Practices understand the relevance and the need to invest and build up the required infrastructure to support its implementation. At the same time, a lot is left desired in terms of the pace and manner in which its adoption is being rolled out. Standards seem to be in a constant state of flux followed by emphasis on technologies whose benefits in a true sense have not been realized universally. This has compelled comments from eminent groups expressing concern over unintended consequences and additional costs for physicians. Infact, surveys done have clearly started indicating that it takes time to bring about changes in the infrastructure of a health system to support the Health IT efforts and to deploy the tools – that to expect results to start showing immediately is a tall order.

Healthcare has an industry has been experiencing significant changes across all the major dimensions, namely; regulatory, technological, medical and market. This has compelled the leaders of the industries to come together and collaborate so as to define the best ways of adapting to the changes. Of all the important ones some which stand out for the impact that they make have been shared below:

• More engagement and control for Patients: They are going to be more informed about the what’s and how’s of any treatment process that they undergo. On the insurance front, the availability of exchanges will allow then to make better buying decisions based on their need. Use of mHealth will help them to administer self-monitoring technologies. With general awareness of better living habits going up, they will be more involved in managing their health.

• Overhaul of Care-Settings: There will be a major shift of care delivery to homes and communities. Technological advancements will make it possible for patients to stay connected with their providers remotely and avoid unnecessary visits. In addition to that, informed and engaged patients will be better equipped to self-manage a lot of things, courtesy availability of data through electronic health records, smartphones etc.

• Move towards to Pay-for-Performance Billing: Every dollar spent will have to be justified in terms of the treatment offered. Quality, Outcome and finally Satisfaction will slowly become the mandatory deliverable for all providers. New methods of payments are expected to evolve to bring about more risk-sharing and accountability. The models are likely to become more team-based with Non-physicians providers expected to play an important role 

• Consolidation of stakeholders: Independent hospitals and stand-alone practitioners are going to find it tough to sustain the operations. With the focus shifting towards better efficiency, lowering costs and improving quality, all concerned stakeholders i.e. payers, hospitals, pharmaceutical suppliers etc. will see consolidation as means of sustenance.

This will result in a better integrated approach to delivery of care for physicians the most important shift would be that in the payment model. From affecting the financial status of the present breed of physicians in the short term, it would have a defining long-term effect on the career decisions of many interested to join the profession.

Many physicians today receive payments on a fee-for-service basis which provides no incentive for delivering high quality of expertise and which ironically would result in reducing the number of visits and thus the services they offer the patients. However, the changes taking place currently have altered the dynamics altogether. With an emphasis on lowering cost and improving quality, physicians are going to be put on a budget and expected to offer the best of outcome and care within it .Be it capitation and shared savings, withholds and rick pools, pay for performance or bundled payments the emphasis of payment models will be entirely towards risk sharing. All this just adds to the headache for the fraternity already bogged down by the burden of having to adapt to the technical interventions. The last thing that they want now is their profession not rewarding them financially enough.

You can hire developers from top healthcare software development companies in India who can help you build clinical and EHR/EMR software projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide healthcare testing services as well. If you want to hire healthcare software programmers or testers for developing and testing, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.