Security Implications for Mobile Devices in Healthcare

Mobile devices are ubiquitous. You may be reading this on a smartphone now. There’s no doubt they’ve changed our lives and they’re changing the healthcare profession as well. It’s no longer just patients on screens in the waiting room; more and more we’re finding mobile devices being used by administrative staff and healthcare providers.

With more mobile devices in healthcare come considerable concerns regarding healthcare data security. Thankfully, there are strategies to mitigate those risks while still capitalizing on the increased efficiency, flexibility, accessibility and cost savings mobile technology can provide for healthcare organizations.

Quick Links

• The Rise of Mobile Devices in Healthcare
• The Benefits of Mobile Devices in Healthcare
• The Challenges and Risks of Using Mobile Devices in Your Practice
• Keeping Mobile Devices in Healthcare Secure: Strategies and Tips

The Rise of Mobile Devices in Healthcare

First came digitization, including technology like EHRs and more. The next stage in the digital transformation of healthcare has been the rapid adoption of mobile devices.

From smartphones to tablets, mobile devices help healthcare professionals access patient records, communicate with colleagues, and monitor patient progress from virtually anywhere, leading to more efficient and effective care.

Recent statistics highlight this growing trend. In fact, recent research suggests that nearly 90% of healthcare providers use mobile devices in their daily operations. Further, more than 70% of providers believe mobile technology has significantly improved their healthcare workflow and patient care quality.

Similarly, patients are also increasingly relying on mobile devices to manage their health. In fact, nearly 65% of Americans use mobile devices to track health metrics, such as physical activity, heart rate, and medication adherence.

The rise of mobile devices in healthcare is not just a passing trend but a fundamental shift in how healthcare is delivered and experienced. The global mobile health market is expected to reach nearly 190 billion by 2025.

This shift presents numerous opportunities for improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency. That said, it also introduces new challenges, particularly in the realm of data security. As mobile device usage continues to grow, ensuring the security and privacy of healthcare data becomes paramount.

The Benefits of Mobile Devices in Healthcare

Despite potential challenges, the integration of mobile devices in healthcare offers numerous benefits extending well beyond convenience. These advantages significantly enhance both the efficiency of healthcare workflows and the quality of patient care.

Improved Healthcare Workflow Efficiency

Mobile devices enable healthcare professionals to access and update patient records in real time, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks and allowing for more focus on patient care. Similarly, other healthcare workflow tools, like cloud ePrescribing and more, may be completed on tablets, allowing providers to work on the go. This real-time access also facilitates faster decision-making and coordination among healthcare teams. 

Enhanced Patient Engagement

Patients can use mobile apps to stay in touch with providers, including scheduling appointments, accessing their health records, receiving medication reminders, making payments and communicating with their healthcare providers. This increased engagement helps patients take a more active role in managing their health, leading to better health outcomes.

Remote Monitoring and Telehealth

Mobile devices support remote patient monitoring and telehealth services, allowing healthcare providers to track patients' vital signs and health status from afar. This capability is particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions and reducing hospital readmissions.

Cost Savings

With the ability for mobile devices to streamline operations, reducing the need for physical infrastructure, mobile devices can help healthcare organizations lower operational costs. Telehealth services, for example, can reduce the need for in-person visits, saving time and resources for both providers and patients.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Mobile devices provide healthcare professionals with the flexibility to not only work from various locations but to also work while on the move, without being tied to an office or desktop computer. This, in turn, enhances their ability to provide care in diverse settings, from hospitals to remote clinics and even patients' homes. This accessibility ensures that healthcare services are available to a broader population.

When it comes to improving not only better patient-provider communication but healthcare workflows, mobile devices represent a paradigm shift. Providers, with the integration of mobile devices are moving towards more efficient, patient-centered care. However, again, this shift underscores the importance of robust data security measures to protect sensitive health information in an increasingly digital landscape.

The Challenges and Risks of Using Mobile Devices in Your Practice

As we’ve mentioned, mobile devices offer numerous benefits for healthcare practices, but they also introduce a range of challenges and risks that must be carefully managed to ensure the security and privacy of sensitive health information.

Data Security Threats
Mobile devices, like other devices, are susceptible to various security threats, including malware, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access. Ensuring these devices are on secure networks and using robust security measures, such as encryption, regular security updates, and the implementation of strong authentication protocols, can help keep them safe.

Compliance with Regulations and HIPAA
Healthcare providers must comply with stringent regulations like HIPAA. It’s critical that mobile devices and the data they handle are compliant with these regulations, but that can be complex and requires continuous monitoring and updating of security practices.

Loss or Theft of Devices
What makes mobile devices so great also makes them easy to lose or steal, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive patient information. Implementing measures such as remote wipe capabilities and device tracking can help mitigate this risk.

Data Privacy Concerns
Mobile devices may transmit and store personal and health-related information, making them a target for data breaches. Ensuring patient data remains private involves implementing strict access controls and educating staff on best practices for data protection.

Interoperability Issues
Integrating mobile devices with existing healthcare systems and electronic health records can be challenging. Ensuring seamless interoperability requires careful planning, the right healthcare software platform and the use of standardized protocols to ensure data consistency and accuracy across platforms.

Network Security
Mobile devices are only as secure as the networks they’re connected to. Mobile devices used for healthcare purposes should never use public Wi-Fi. Ensuring mobile devices only use secure connections and virtual private networks (VPNs) can help protect data transmission.

User Training and Awareness
Much like networks, any implemented security protocol is only as strong as the users. Users who aren’t aware of, or who ignore, security safeguards are a risk. Healthcare staff must be adequately trained on the secure use of mobile devices. This includes recognizing phishing attempts, using secure passwords, and understanding the importance of regular software updates and security patches.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and strategic approach to integrating mobile devices into your practice. 

Keeping Mobile Devices in Healthcare Secure: Strategies and Tips

The benefits of mobile devices for healthcare practices are significant and with the implementation of these best practices and strategies, healthcare organizations can leverage the power of mobility and mobile devices to improve efficiency and care. 

• Implement Strong Authentication
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.
  • Require strong, unique passwords for all devices and applications.
• Encrypt Data
  • Ensure that all sensitive data stored on mobile devices is encrypted.
  • Use secure, encrypted connections (VPNs) for transmitting data over networks.
• Regularly Update Software
  • Keep operating systems and applications up to date with the latest security patches.
  • Enable automatic updates to ensure timely installation of critical fixes.
• Enable Remote Wipe Capabilities
  • Ensure all mobile devices have remote wipe capabilities to delete data if a device is lost or stolen.
  • Regularly test the remote wipe functionality to ensure it works correctly.
• Educate and Train Staff
  • Conduct regular training sessions on mobile device security best practices.
  • Educate staff on recognizing phishing attempts, securing devices, and reporting suspicious activity.
• Implement Access Controls
  • Restrict access to sensitive data based on user roles and responsibilities.
  • Use app-specific permissions to limit data access to only what is necessary for each user.
• Monitor and Audit Device Activity
  • Regularly monitor device activity and network traffic for signs of unauthorized access or anomalies.
  • Conduct periodic security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
• Secure Wireless Networks
  • Ensure that mobile devices only connect to secure, trusted networks.
  • Use WPA3 encryption for Wi-Fi networks and consider deploying enterprise-grade wireless security solutions.
• Use Secure Messaging and Communication Tools
  • Encourage the use of secure, encrypted messaging apps for professional communication.
  • Never use unsecured communication channels, such as SMS or personal email, to share sensitive information.
• Limit App Permissions
  • Review and restrict app permissions to minimize access to sensitive data and device functions.
  • Regularly audit installed apps and remove any that are unnecessary or pose security risks.
• Establish Clear Security Policies
  • Develop and enforce comprehensive mobile device security policies for your organization.
  • Ensure all staff members are aware of and adhere to these policies.
• Implement Physical Security Measures
  • Encourage staff to keep devices in secure locations when not in use.
  •  Use physical locks or secure storage solutions for devices containing sensitive information.
• Backup Data Regularly
  • Ensure all important data is backed up regularly to secure, offsite locations.
  • Verify the integrity of backups and ensure they can be restored in case of data loss.
• Engage in Continuous Improvement
  • Stay informed about the latest security threats and best practices in mobile device security.
  • Regularly review and update your security strategies to address emerging risks and vulnerabilities.

And, perhaps most importantly, work with a healthcare workflow platform provider who has designed their platform with mobile devices and their security needs in mind.

If you’re ready to meet that provider and explore that platform, book a demo with the iCoreConnect team today. Let’s get started boosting your efficiency, improving patient communication and convenience, enhancing flexibility, and saving costs–all while ensuring the security of your practice and patients.