Talking HealthTech: 446 – Does open interoperability leave the door open to hackers? Chris Royle and Stephen Burmester, Dedalus

As the healthcare industry continues to integrate digital solutions, the challenges of cybersecurity and interoperability become increasingly important. We discuss these challenges and more in this episode of Talking HealthTech recorded during a live virtual webinar. Chris Royle, Solutions Architect, and Stephen Burmester, Chief Technology Officer from Dedalus share their expert insights into how integrating and securing digital healthcare systems transforms patient care. 

Chris has over 30 years of experience in IT, with a specialisation in healthcare interoperability and data exchange standards. He is actively involved in HL7 leadership and education. Stephen has 30 years of experience in technology, developing major healthcare ICT systems and implementing cybersecurity strategies.

The Drive Towards Interoperability in Healthcare

Healthcare systems worldwide are increasingly pushing towards interoperability, the ability to seamlessly share health data across various platforms and systems. This integration is crucial for improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery. 

However, as healthcare organisations adopt more interconnected systems, challenges persist. Integrating various types of data from different sources and in numerous formats can be daunting. While we strive for open access to improve healthcare services, we must ensure that robust cybersecurity measures keep pace with our advancements.

Cybersecurity: A Continuous Battle

The omnipresent risk of cyber-attacks makes cybersecurity an ongoing battle. Strategies to protect healthcare information need to evolve with the advancing technology. Beyond just defending the perimeters of established systems, healthcare organisations now need to ensure security in a more interconnected environment that extends to cloud platforms and consumer devices.

Cybersecurity in the context of healthcare interoperability isn’t a one-off project; it’s a continuous commitment to safeguarding patient data as technology evolves. This notion reinforces the need for a dynamic approach to tackling cybersecurity, adapting to new threats that surface with technological advancements.

The National Health Interoperability Plan for 2023-2028 aims to address these concerns by setting a framework for safe data sharing while prioritising patient consent and privacy.

Striking a Balance: Access Vs. Security

Interoperability brings immense benefits, such as better coordinated care and improved health outcomes, but it also introduces significant risks. Healthcare CIOs and CTOs must navigate these often conflicting priorities. Chris points out that every step towards greater interoperability also needs a concurrent enhancement in security protocols. It isn’t just about opening gates but guarding them effectively.

Further, Stephen highlights how crucial technologies like HL7 FHIR are. They provide a standard for exchanging healthcare information electronically, facilitating better data access and integration. Adopting standards like FHIR is crucial but requires a thorough understanding of its implications on data security.

Consent Management and Patient-Centric Care

Managing patient consent in an interoperable ecosystem is another complex challenge. This becomes crucial in the scenario of increasing digital data exchange. It’s imperative that healthcare providers secure the data and manage how and who accesses it, keeping patient consent at the forefront of any data-sharing initiative.

People like to talk about patient-engaged and patient-controlled healthcare, which is about putting that control in the hands of the patient. It offers potential benefits of increased patient satisfaction, better treatment outcomes, and enhanced trust in healthcare providers. Technologies enabling patients to manage their data consent dynamically are seen as the way forward.

Embracing Change for a Healthier Tomorrow

As we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, it becomes clear that the synergy between interoperability and cybersecurity is essential for developing a resilient healthcare system. Chris and Stephen’s insights underscore the need for a strategic approach that harmonises these elements, paving the way for a future where technology enhances healthcare delivery without compromising patient trust and data integrity.

In reducing barriers to effective data exchange while simultaneously enhancing security measures, the healthcare industry is poised to deliver on the promise of comprehensive, coordinated, and patient-centred care.

_{Source talkinghealthtech.com}