As healthcare organizations evolve their technology, hybrid systems are becoming increasingly common. A 2021 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society survey found that about 73% of healthcare organizations use legacy information systems. Part of this is driven by the need to continue legacy processes while embracing technological advancements. Healthcare organizations must be accessible to a wide range of individuals, some of whom might prefer more traditional processes. This results in hybrid systems that incorporate traditional healthcare delivery methods with more advanced systems driven by technology.
Given this landscape, securing Protected Health Information (PHI) can be a challenge. Patient information has to be accessible to those who need it to facilitate smooth operations, but access must also be restricted. Patients need to be able to share their information, make appointments, and check test results, but the more ways a system can be accessed, the more vulnerable it is to being compromised.
What Do Hybrid Systems Look Like in Healthcare Facilities?
A hybrid system in a healthcare organization integrates conventional face-to-face services with digital, technology-based solutions. This model can allow for improved patient access and a patient-focused approach to the delivery of care.
Some examples of a hybrid system include:
- Blended Models: A blended model might combine in-person aspects of care with online access. For instance, a patient might have an in-person consultation and then have a telemedicine follow-up. There are still aspects of traditional delivery methods, but they are combined with technology to allow some level of flexibility in how services are provided.
- Enhanced Traditional Models: Digital tools are integrated into the conventional healthcare delivery process to augment traditional services in an enhanced traditional model. Perhaps a patient has an in-person consultation, but they have the ability to answer a questionnaire digitally before they arrive to accelerate the process.
- Fully-Integrated Models: A fully integrated model involves the use of various kinds of digital technology in concert with conventional healthcare systems. These systems enable continuous care by leveraging physical and virtual healthcare spaces throughout the patient’s journey. The technology might include things such as hospital-at-home services and remote patient monitoring, for example.
Challenges and Complexities of Hybrid Systems
Securing data as it travels from a traditional delivery method into a digital space can create vulnerabilities. Hybrid systems often introduce a variety of challenges to healthcare IT infrastructure that must be overcome:
- Integration of Legacy Systems: Although healthcare’s use of tech has evolved, many organizations still rely on outdated legacy systems. It can be difficult and costly to update all systems simultaneously. Organizations often prioritize some systems over others, eventually leading to some of those older systems becoming outdated. For example, a healthcare organization might upgrade its telemedicine system but lag behind in upgrading its laboratory information system because of logistics. As more time passes, it becomes harder to integrate the legacy systems with more modern technologies. All of this can lead to enhanced security risk.
- Endpoint Security: As technology becomes more prolific and accessible, it can create more vulnerabilities. People can now access systems on tablets, phones, and laptops, creating endpoint security concerns. Endpoint security vulnerabilities include not only personal devices but medical devices as well. Having a cybersecurity infrastructure that takes all of this into account is an important consideration in combating cyber threats and protecting PHI.
- Data Security and Privacy: The use of cloud-based services and the Internet of Medical Things add to IT teams’ vulnerabilities in securing PHI. Although wearables and other devices can be beneficial to patients, they also can create security vulnerabilities.
- Interoperability: Achieving seamless data exchange between diverse systems remains a significant challenge, further compounded by the lack of standardization. Whenever two different systems interact, there is a security concern and a vulnerability that a bad actor might be able to exploit.
Best Practices for Securing PHI in Hybrid Systems
Although hybrid systems present many challenges, there are strategies that IT can use to effectively secure PHI. Industry best practices include:
- Implementing Zero Trust Architecture: Zero trust architecture means constantly validating every digital interaction. This entails applying least privilege access controls across the board and regularly monitoring device behavior. The goal is to prevent any unauthorized access to PHI by ensuring that access is only granted to those who need it for their job function.
- Enhancing Endpoint Security: With enhanced endpoint security, IT teams deploy comprehensive protection platforms meant to secure all devices that are connected to the network. To maintain this security posture, IT teams must regularly update the system, perform patch management, and monitor connected devices for any suspicious activity.
- Data Encryption: Data encryption protects data while in transit. Advanced encryption methods are a key step in keeping data secure even after it’s stored. Data encryption should be a component of any effort to protect PHI from unauthorized access.
- Regular Security Audits: Every IT team should conduct frequent security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations such as HIPAA.
- Microsegmentation: A segmented network can help contain any security failures. Think of a segmented network working somewhat like a firewall that prevents or limits the speed at which a fire can spread within a building. A segmented network involves limiting the communication between devices and systems to reduce the risk of widespread breaches.
Reducing Redundancy and Streamlining Hybrid Systems
There are several ways that a healthcare organization can optimize hybrid systems and ensure PHI is protected. Here are some things your organization can focus on:
- Consolidating Systems: Having numerous systems can create unnecessary complexity and introduce unneeded risk. Integrate disparate systems to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency. This may involve migrating from legacy systems to more modern, interoperable solutions.
- Leveraging Cloud Solutions: If you are an organization looking for scalability, a cloud-based platform is something to consider. It provides flexible data management while ensuring the protection of PHI.
- Training and Awareness: It’s crucial to educate and train your staff. Even the best cybersecurity measures can be compromised through the ill-advised actions of an uninformed staff member. Part of having a diligent IT team and strong cybersecurity is making sure your staff understands the importance of the initiative. Beyond training, communication also plays an important role in thwarting potential attacks as new threats surface every day.
Understanding Challenges Can Help Minimize Risk
As healthcare organizations continue to adopt hybrid models, securing PHI becomes increasingly complex. Despite the challenges, it remains a critical part of organizations’ missions to protect and care for patients. By understanding the unique challenges hybrid systems pose, organizations can implement strategies and solutions to minimize risk while providing various care delivery methods to meet the diverse needs of patients. Embracing these strategies will not only protect against cyber threats, but also support the seamless integration of innovative technologies in healthcare.
Learn more about how you can protect PHI in hybrid systems.