504 - Secure and Simple: Imprivata's Approach to Healthcare Authentication
In this episode of Talking HealthTech, host Peter Birch discusses healthcare digitalisation with Jason Potts, PharmD, BCCCP and Jamie Robertson from Imprivata during Digital Health Week New Zealand 2024 hosted by HiNZ.?
They explore how Imprivata addresses challenges in healthcare security and workflow optimisation by leveraging digital identity and secure access technologies.?
This episode dives into the practical applications of Imprivata’s solutions, the need for secure and accessible digital identities, and the future of healthcare technology.
The Importance of Digital Identity in Healthcare?
Digital identity and secure access have become critical components in healthcare, where secure yet easy-to-use systems are necessary. Imprivata specialises in creating these systems, making it easier for healthcare professionals to manage their logins and access crucial information.?
Jason, a clinical workflow specialist and practising hospital pharmacist, emphasises the need for simplicity and security. He points out that instead of focusing on providing patient care and addressing their needs, one might end up distracted by questions like, "What’s the password for this application again?"?
Adapting Solutions to Local Contexts?
While Imprivata operates globally, it also considers regional nuances, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. Jamie, the principal solutions engineer for Imprivata, explains that their highly customisable workflow engine can integrate with large U.S.-based EMR systems like Epic and Oracle Health and smaller platforms such as Orion in New Zealand. This versatility allows Imprivata’s technologies to adapt to different healthcare environments effectively.
Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Cognitive Burden?
Healthcare professionals traditionally face cumbersome login processes involving complex passwords for multiple applications—a system that wastes time and impacts cognitive load. Imprivata's solutions simplify these processes with technologies such as Tap and Go badges. This technology allows healthcare providers to access their systems with a badge tap and a one-time password entry, streamlining workflows and reducing delays. Imprivata supports smart vital sign monitors, which are now network-connected and capable of automating the transfer of patient data into electronic health records.
The Balance Between Security and Accessibility?
One of the critical discussions revolved around maintaining high security while ensuring easy system access. This balancing act is crucial as healthcare data is highly sensitive. Imprivata ensures that simplifying access does not compromise security. Their use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) often integrates badges and PINs, providing two-factor authentication. Jason highlights the elevated security risks associated with such devices, noting that they are prone to being misplaced or left unattended, increasing their vulnerability.
Real-World Applications and Success Stories?
In real-world applications, institutions like Canterbury DHB in New Zealand have successfully integrated Imprivata's solutions. Before integrating Imprivata's technology, staff at Canterbury DHB faced issues with generic accounts and passwords written on Post-it notes, posing significant security risks. Post-integration, they benefited from a streamlined virtual desktop environment where clinicians’ full desktop environment follows them as they move around the hospital. This significantly enhances both efficiency and security.
Extending Solutions Across Various Healthcare Settings?
Imprivata's technology is not confined to large hospital systems alone but extends to clinics and other healthcare environments. Even sectors outside traditional healthcare, such as banking and gaming, have found value in Imprivata’s secure and straightforward access solutions. Hence, their technology proves helpful in any setting where sensitive information must be accessed quickly and securely.
Rethinking Passwords: Moving Towards Passwordless Solutions
The future of digital identity management in healthcare includes moving towards a completely passwordless system. Imprivata is actively working on this journey, gradually reducing the reliance on passwords by incorporating biometric authentication technologies such as facial recognition. This enhances security and significantly eases the cognitive burden on healthcare professionals.
Mobility and Remote Access in Healthcare?
As healthcare continues to evolve with more remote and mobile care, Imprivata’s solutions have also adapted. They enable secure access to mobile devices, ensuring that data remains secure even in non-traditional healthcare settings. For instance, remote triaging often requires secure access to patient records in a home setting.?
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Collaboration and Interoperability in Modern Healthcare
Healthcare organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of interoperability and collaboration among different technology providers. Imprivata's solutions are designed to be interoperable with various platforms, ensuring a seamless experience for users. Jamie explains that they work with many other vendors in the healthcare environment to ensure their solutions are interoperable with their platforms as well.?
Eliminating Cognitive Load in Healthcare Environments?
The consolidation of Imprivata's solutions aims to reduce the cognitive burden on healthcare providers, freeing them to focus on patient care. By eliminating tedious tasks like repeated logins, their technology enhances productivity and improves the overall efficiency of healthcare operations. Nothing's more simple or more secure than getting truly passwordless.
The Future of Healthcare Technology?
The digital transformation in healthcare will continue to bring innovative solutions to address existing challenges. As Jason and Jamie envision, the future of healthcare technology lies in creating a more efficient, secure, and easily accessible system through advancements like passwordless authentication and increased interoperability. These strides will significantly contribute to streamlined operations and better patient outcomes, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare delivery.
Related Companies
Imprivata is a digital identity company for life and mission-critical industries, redefining how organisations solve complex workflow, security, and compliance challenges
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