Healthcare organisations have to be very careful about protecting patient data and ensuring that their systems meet numerous regulatory and compliance standards. IT professionals play an important role in doing this, but they face a range of challenges which can make this difficult. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these challenges and explore how they can be overcome.
IT professionals in the healthcare sector have a daunting task. Not only do they need to manage their day-to-day duties, but they also need to remain aware of the ever-changing regulations and compliance standards that must be adhered to in order to protect patient data. This requires IT teams to check for updates or amendments, but also have a thorough understanding of all their organisation's infrastructure, data, and security policies. This will also need to be considered when any new technology or process changes are implemented.
Another challenge is managing multiple devices and locations. Healthcare organisations can have a range of different systems and devices that all need to be compliant with regulations. This includes everything from servers and workstations to smartphones and tablets used by doctors and other staff. The proliferation of diverse technologies in healthcare settings further accentuates the complexity of this task. Integrating new medical devices, such as diagnostic equipment or wearable health trackers, into the existing infrastructure requires meticulous attention to compliance standards to ensure the seamless coexistence of various technologies. Additionally, the need for real-time data access across these devices poses an additional layer of intricacy, demanding vigilant oversight to uphold both regulatory adherence and efficient functionality.
This challenge has also been exacerbated by the increase of hybrid working, which increases the complexity of ensuring that systems and data remain compliant, as there are now multiple points of entry into the organisation's network. Similarly, many organisations are now operating Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. In a BYOD environment, staff are allowed to use their own personal devices to access protected data and systems within the organisation. This increases the complexity of IT management due to the different operating systems and hardware specs that need to be monitored and kept compliant.
Certainly, this entire process is highly time-consuming, placing a considerable strain on IT professionals within healthcare organisations. Their responsibilities extend beyond merely overseeing compliance and regulations; they must also grapple with the resolution of daily IT challenges and issues, further intensifying the demands on their time and expertise. This can make it difficult for them to keep up with all the regulatory changes and potentially put the organisation at risk. Non-compliance can be a serious issue for healthcare organisations - it can result in big fines, legal action, or security breaches that can harm patients and future business.
So, how can these challenges be overcome?
Organisations can mitigate these risks by partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) with experience in providing services to the healthcare industry. An MSP can help by monitoring and maintaining all their systems, providing regular compliance assessments, making sure everything is up-to-date with the latest regulations, and ensuring that all devices and locations are compliant. MSPs can lift the burden for internal teams, enabling them to focus on business innovation whilst keeping your organisation compliant and secure.
Conclusion
The challenges of compliance and regulation for IT professionals in the healthcare sector will remain a priority due to the growing emphasis being placed on privacy and security. It is a continuous process which involves regular audits and process updates, which can be time-consuming and complex, but the risks of non-compliance are just too great. MSPs with experience in the industry can be the perfect solution - enabling internal teams to focus on their core responsibilities while keeping sensitive patient data secure and meeting all regulatory requirements.
Why Advanced?
In the contemporary landscape, staying abreast of the continuously evolving technological terrain is increasingly challenging as the pace of change accelerates. Companies feel the burden of the everyday yet want to continue to take their next step and drive innovation.
At Advanced, our primary emphasis revolves around prioritising individuals, affording you the opportunity to tap into the expertise of subject matter authorities. This not only facilitates your access to specialised knowledge but also empowers you to expedite the achievement of your technology objectives with enhanced efficiency. Our team is always available to advise, unafraid of complexity, and constantly focused on driving your business forward.
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At Advanced, we recognise that each industry confronts distinctive challenges, demanding tailored IT services to meet specific needs. Drawing upon our extensive cross-sector experience, Advanced is proficient in providing comprehensive support, designing, implementing, and managing your IT environment. Our aim is to empower your organisation by delivering solutions that align seamlessly with your industry's unique requirements. Learn more about our IT Services for Healthcare.
