If you’re in the health tech industry, you’ve probably heard about some of the top 10 health tech hazards for 2023. From cyberattacks to personalized healthcare, there are plenty of things you need to be on guard against.
Cybersecurity attacks
Cybersecurity attacks on health tech hazards for 2023 may not be a novelty, but with the increase in connectivity, the potential for a data breach is higher than ever. The healthcare industry is increasingly connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), which increases the opportunity for hackers to access patient data.
A study published by the CyberMDX group suggests the most common cyberattacks in the healthcare industry are insider misuse, which involves a perpetrator stealing a colleague’s password. Another type of cyber theft involves outside theft, where attackers gain access to personal information on unsuspecting individuals.
Healthcare systems have become the latest targets for malware and ransomware attacks. These attacks are a threat to patients’ mental well-being, and the loss of patient data can affect lab results and chemotherapy treatments. In the past year alone, the US has experienced several cyberattacks on healthcare organizations.
The FDA released a draft cybersecurity guidance for the healthcare industry in 2022. According to the FDA, this draft was designed to “establish the minimum security requirements that health care providers should adopt to protect themselves from malware and other digital threats.”
In addition to cybersecurity, there are also other technological advancements in the healthcare space that need to be monitored. For example, the integration of medical devices on the Internet of Things (IoT) allows for better care coordination, and better data analytics.
While cybersecurity isn’t a new issue in the healthcare industry, the volume of reported attacks has increased dramatically in the last three years. Additionally, the healthcare sector is a lucrative target for cybercriminals.
Despite the heightened risk, many health organizations haven’t implemented the best security measures. This includes the use of antivirus software and firewalls. Also, 68% of health providers don’t routinely update the default credentials for their connected medical devices.
3D printing of bio-compatible implants
When it comes to health technology, the use of biomimetic 3D printing of implants is a growing concern. Implants are used for reconstructing injured organs. These implants can mimic the structure of the human body, enabling the cell-material interactions that contribute to the regrowth of tissue.
In addition to repairing injured or undermined organs, these implants can also serve as models for biological analysis and toxicity testing. During the manufacturing process, the location of the injury is scanned using MRI and CT. Using this data, software algorithms calculate the optimal internal structure of the implant.
Medical implants are often made from non-resorbable materials. This leads to long rehabilitation periods and high healthcare costs. Fortunately, 3D printing has the potential to change this. By allowing the fabrication of one-off complex parts without cost, it has a huge advantage over traditional medical products.
Biomimetic 3D printing of implants is an important step toward regenerative medicine. It can help improve the survival rates of patients and offer superior surface geometry. But the materials are still an issue, as they must be accepted by the immune system.
While there are many factors that make the materials biocompatible, one of the most important is their ability to interact with the living organism. This interaction, however, is not toxic and does not cause an immune response.
The FDA has required biocompatible materials to undergo safety tests to ensure their effectiveness and safety. As a result, the market for biocompatible 3D printing materials is forecast to reach USD 832.7 million by 2023.
Biomimetic implants are expected to reduce the invasiveness of surgery and shorten rehabilitation times. They can also be created with patient-specific design and are intended to meet specific needs of a body part.
Legacy software systems
If your healthcare organization is still using legacy software, you are unwittingly putting your patients’ privacy at risk. Legacy systems are no longer updated by software developers and may be prone to security vulnerabilities. Keeping them around can cost your business in the long run.
In addition to reducing functionality and performance, a legacy system can also increase the risk of data breaches. An outdated OS and coding language can make your system more vulnerable to attack. It can also hinder your ability to take advantage of new technology.
Maintaining a legacy system can be costly and time-consuming. Trying to make changes can be risky, especially if you don’t have access to the original source code.
The HIMSS Cybersecurity Survey found that legacy systems raise serious concerns about the healthcare ecosystem. Eighty-three percent of devices in the US healthcare system are running on outdated operating systems. These systems are not equipped to handle modern security requirements and are easily susceptible to cyberattacks.
Fortunately, there is a solution. By moving your legacy software to a cloud-based solution, you can reduce the risk of a data breach. This is particularly important if you are conducting remote work or telemedicine.
Depending on your specific requirements, a software development service provider can provide you with a step-by-step plan to update legacy software over a period of time. You can also learn which parts of your legacy system need immediate attention and which you can wait for.
When evaluating a legacy system, you should look at the technology, architecture, and most importantly, functionality. You should also consider the future of the product.
Using an updated secure system can be a powerful selling point to your customers. It can also help your enterprise protect against legal risks.
COVID-19 crisis forced supply chains to the breaking point
One of the greatest challenges governments face is supply chain disruption. When supply chains break down, goods can’t flow as quickly and efficiently as they should. This is particularly true as a result of recent climate and weather shocks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of sectors have been affected.
A variety of factors are affecting the global supply chain. Some are structural issues, while others are caused by shifts in demand. As a result, the problems are complicated and multifaceted.
A McKinsey report recently identified supply chain turmoil as one of the top threats to growth. Companies must adopt new strategies to address the challenges. Rethinking supply chains and making them more resilient and competitive are important parts of this strategy.
Despite the supply chain problems, global logistics remain key to helping businesses provide services and products quickly. But there are many factors putting the global economy at risk, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Increasing consumer demand has put tremendous pressure on manufacturers. In addition to price increases, many are experiencing production delays. Labor shortages linked to economic shocks have weakened manufacturing capabilities.
The pandemic has also revealed the extent to which the global supply chain is overly dependent on foreign factories. It has also shown how inadequate protections against supply chain hazards can leave workers vulnerable.
While the current supply-chain disruptions will likely dissipate over the next six months, the impact will last for many years to come. Many companies are now flagging warnings about higher prices.
With all the disruptions, it’s easy to see why consumers are eager to spend again. However, the cost of minimum monthly food needs in Syria and Lebanon has risen by 97%, a 351% increase in Yemen, and a 47% rise in Iraq.
Personalized healthcare
One of the major trends in healthcare is personalized healthcare. This type of care emphasizes prevention, personalized treatment, and care coordination. It also incorporates predictive technologies.
With the increased amount of data that comes into the healthcare system, the demand for more data-driven solutions is growing. By 2023, it is expected that healthcare providers will evaluate a patient’s medical history and risk factors more thoroughly.
The most advanced forms of personalized medicine integrate predictive technologies with therapeutics and genetic information. These solutions can identify and diagnose diseases, as well as side effects, at an early stage. They can help medical practitioners make more efficient and effective health management decisions.
Another emerging trend in 2023 is the growing use of wearable devices for patients. These devices monitor a person’s vital signs, such as heart rate and oxygen saturation levels. Wearables can even detect mental illnesses such as Parkinson’s.
The number of devices that can detect life-threatening diseases in real time is increasing. Devices can now track blood pressure and oxygen saturation in minutes.
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a major trend that will expand exponentially in the next few years. The devices are being manufactured with processors and in-device analytics, allowing clinicians to monitor their patients remotely.
Another key trend in 2023 is the use of AI technology. AI systems use machine learning to predict health conditions. Some examples of these predictive tools include natural language processing, pattern recognition algorithms, and computer vision. Combined with a patient’s health data, this technology can personalize care and reduce total expenses.
One of the biggest threats to the health industry in 2023 is sophisticated AI-powered malware. Hackers can exploit these devices to steal patient data and attack medical systems.