Many senior care communities find adopting and integrating new technology challenging, often with limited resources for doing so as their staff focuses on resident care and comfort. Yet, taking advantage of new and emerging technology can unlock higher efficiency and support your staff and residents’ well-being in multiple ways. Here are some trends in long-term care technology to be aware of today:

Integration Between Technologies

Historically, delivering care meant dealing with gaps in information due to disparate systems and on-premises software. Modern solutions are changing that, as integration between these tools tops 2024 trends in long-term care technology.

Today’s programs and HIPAA-compliant cloud-based computing provide increased visibility across communities and providers, eliminating access issues and information gaps. The result is better resident care and higher organizational efficiency.

Resident Monitoring

Resident monitoring solutions have made great strides over the past few years. The Internet of Things (IoT) allows for fully connected medical devices that deliver real-time patient information to providers. Healthcare professionals can leverage these insights for preventive action and know when a resident needs extra care or support sooner.

Static, in-room solutions like fall sensors are also helping improve staff resource allocation while promoting resident well-being. These sensors learn movement patterns and can proactively detect risks like wandering or falls. Your team can quickly respond and deliver the necessary care without devoting 24/7 one-on-one safety monitoring.

Tech-Supported Personalized Resident Care

With increased data capture, long-term care organizations have more insights into their residents’ overall well-being than ever. Built-in analytics and reporting simplify data collection and analysis for meaningful and actionable information. Long-term care communities can quickly and easily see which activity programs are resonating with their residents to help keep them engaged.

Predictive analytics harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are also revolutionizing healthcare for residents. AI and ML tools can analyze millions of data points in electronic health records and translate them into patterns to predict a resident’s potential risks. These insights help care teams support better patient outcomes through informed decision-making based on the resident’s unique needs.

AI is also driving value in helping residents independently keep up with their care. Technology ensures they remember to eat, drink and take medications in the right dosage at the right time. Automatic staff alerts of irregularities empower teams to spend more time on meaningful interactions and less on tracking meals and medications.

IT Outsourcing

Implementing new technology and supporting users through transitions is frequently challenging for long-term care communities. Working with a third-party expert like Prelude Services is a cost-effective and practical solution. Outsourced information technology services help organizations optimize spending and access industry expertise, among many other benefits.

Partner With Prelude Services for Your Long-Term Care Technology Needs

Prelude offers a comprehensive selection of outsourced IT solutions to meet your organizational needs, boost your community’s cybersecurity and support your users around the clock. We specialize in serving senior living and long-term care providers, partnering with over 700 organizations spanning 40 states. Let’s talk about how we can help your community leverage technology this year and beyond — contact us online to start a conversation today.

The post Trends in Long-Term Care Technology appeared first on Prelude Services.

Telehealth and telemedicine may be used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Telehealth is a general term that covers a range of clinical and non-clinical services. Telemedicine, on the other hand, specifically refers to medical diagnosis and treatment. Both describe healthcare services delivered virtually.

In a broad sense, telehealth allows patients to receive care, manage their health and communicate with providers without leaving their homes. This comes with many benefits, such as:

• Reduced exposure to germs.
• Greater convenience.
• More access to medical and mental health care.

For the above reasons and more, telemedicine and telehealth have become vital in general healthcare settings and senior living communities.

Let’s explore the differences between telehealth and telemedicine and how to offer virtual care to your patients.

Do you need assistance implementing telehealth technology in your organization? Contact us — we can help.

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth describes using technology, like computers and smartphones, to provide healthcare services remotely. It’s also called telehealth when a doctor communicates medical information online. Many activities describe telehealth, including:

• Delivering clinical care via video or audio calls.
• Educating patients about health with a video.
• Monitoring patients remotely.
• Sharing test results and images in email.
• Providing mental health counseling through chat messaging.
• Offering online patient intake forms.

Telehealth also includes non-patient functions, like virtual staff training and meetings. For instance, holding a live video meeting with nursing staff is a way to use telehealth technology.

Unlike in-person interactions, telehealth is typically delivered through:

• Phone
• Videoconferencing
• Email
• Chat
• Remote monitoring devices
• Patient portals

Imagine a patient meets with their doctor over Zoom from their personal computer. They’re participating in telehealth, or more specifically, telemedicine — more on that below.

Another example is if a patient emails X-rays to a dentist or completes their medical history online. Telehealth lets them convey this information without stepping foot in an office.

Telehealth also encompasses the data physicians exchange electronically. For instance, a physician may meet with a specialist virtually to get input about a patient’s condition or test results. Sharing patient information at lightning speed allows doctors to coordinate care quickly.

Telehealth is convenient for anyone wanting to receive healthcare without being in a particular location. Healthcare providers also benefit from the convenience of telehealth, enjoying time and cost savings.

How Is Telemedicine Different?

Telemedicine is a type of telehealth service. Unlike telehealth, which is used broadly, telemedicine refers only to clinical services such as:

• Diagnosing
• Testing
• Treating

Telemedicine does not refer to non-clinical services or those that do not involve any form of medical treatment. A patient exploring payment options with a social worker online would not be considered telemedicine, for example. By contrast, a doctor evaluating a patient over a video call would be an example of telemedicine that belongs under the telehealth umbrella.

Why Do These Differences Matter?

Whether you’re a physician or a patient, it helps to know the difference between telemedicine and telehealth for reimbursement purposes. Since telehealth is a broad term that covers everything from remote patient monitoring to online training, some telehealth services may not be covered by a patient’s insurance plan.

Patients need to know what their policy covers before engaging in telehealth services to avoid unexpected costs. Likewise, physicians and healthcare administrators need to understand what telehealth services they can bill insurance companies for and which ones they’ll need to ask for out-of-pocket payment.

It also helps administrators to explore telehealth as a whole and consider expanding services beyond telemedicine. For example, organizations might consider training their staff virtually versus conducting in-person courses or using telehealth to improve workflow and administrative tasks. They’ll have to think about what hardware and software they need to integrate various telehealth tools.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Telehealth and Telemedicine? 

According to the American Medical Association (AMA), roughly 85% of physicians use technology to care for patients, and nearly 70% are enthusiastic about continuing to use it to save time and improve overall patient care. 

As with all good things, telehealth does come with some limitations. Let’s review the pros and cons.

Advantages to Consider

Telehealth and telemedicine offer many benefits for physicians and patients. Healthcare administrators can also reap the rewards of virtual communications. Benefits include:

• Improved management of chronic illnesses: Patients who live with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease no longer need to make in-person visits for checkups. Instead, telehealth lets doctors monitor patients through remote monitoring devices. They can also provide advice, change medications and help patients manage their conditions remotely.
• Increased access to care: Telemedicine lets doctors reach patients far and wide. No matter where a patient is located, whether in a rural community or across the country, they can meet with a physician online. Virtual appointments can be especially helpful to patients who can’t drive or have limited mobility. It removes the need to travel long distances for specialist visits, too.
• Fewer canceled appointments: Since patients don’t have to use transportation to make it to an appointment, physicians can expect fewer late arrivals and cancellations. It’s also easier to fit virtual appointments into a busy schedule without travel time — another reason to keep an appointment.
• Easy-to-use technology: The technology healthcare providers use to deliver telehealth services often involves simple interfaces. Patients and healthcare staff can learn how to use telehealth tools relatively quickly, regardless of age or background. For instance, according to a recent study, most older adults thought the technology implemented to complete a telehealth visit was very easy to use.
• Improved care continuity: Telehealth supports streamlined communication between healthcare providers. With telehealth technology like video conferencing, physicians can quickly hop into a virtual call with a specialist or consultant for guidance. This option helps doctors make quick and accurate diagnoses.
• Reduced exposure to illnesses: Since patients aren’t required to leave their rooms to see a doctor for a telemedicine appointment, they can expect reduced exposure to germs. Healthcare and administrative staff also experience less exposure to illnesses if they can provide services remotely.
• Lower costs: Telemedicine visits may cost less than in-person visits but can provide the same level of care. Physicians and administrators can expect cost savings, too, since telehealth aids with streamlined workflows and reduces the need for administrative support and physical space.
• Saved time: Patients can complete documentation tasks online with telehealth tools like patient portals. This means they’ll spend less time waiting in an office. Telehealth technology also provides easy scheduling, helping physicians and patients make appointments quickly and easily.
• Greater engagement: Patients with easy access to their medical records and data online may be more engaged with their treatment and health. The convenience of telehealth technology can also increase engagement and satisfaction among healthcare staff.
• Improved work-life balance: Physicians enjoy a better work-life balance with telehealth options. That’s because they have greater control over when and where they work and can optimize their schedules.

Disadvantages to Think About

Although telehealth technology has many advantages, it’s not appropriate for every situation and comes with some challenges. Patients, providers and administrators must weigh the pros with the following cons:

• Requires a reliable internet connection: Online activities, like joining a video conference, require a stable internet connection. Many patients do not have access to a dependable or affordable internet connection, especially if they live in a rural area. Internet connectivity is a major obstacle in delivering telehealth. More than a third of doctors say internet speed and access issues impact their ability to use telemedicine.
• Requires some technological know-how: Some patients do not own or know how to use computers, tablets or smartphones. However, there’s a workaround. Healthcare organizations can give patients the necessary devices and show them what to do.
• Not the best option for some patients: A patient may have a condition that makes it difficult to use telehealth. For example, vision or hearing impairments can make it challenging to communicate by phone or video. Caregivers might need to help with virtual appointments in these cases.
• Most patients prefer in-person services: Despite its convenience and other benefits, many patients still prefer in-person care. One study found that most patients over 65 like to see their doctor in person. Nevertheless, older patients are satisfied with telehealth services and appreciate the option.
• Not suitable for all situations: In some cases, for a patient with a complex health concern, it’s best for them to have an in-person visit. High-risk patients also need regular physical exams to avoid complications. Overall, it can be easier for providers to make a correct diagnosis with an in-person exam.
• May come with technological barriers: Factors like power outages or hardware malfunctioning can prevent or disrupt a telehealth session. Also, security breaches and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance could be an obstacle for some healthcare providers. IT service providers, like Prelude Services, can help healthcare organizations ensure they use compliant technology.
• May not be covered by insurance: Although coverage for telehealth services has expanded in recent years, some services may not be covered by a person’s insurance. State and federal laws are also constantly changing. While an insurance company may cover a telehealth service today, they may not cover it tomorrow.

What Does Implementation Entail?

Whether you manage a family medicine practice or are an administrator at a senior living community, telehealth is essential. Patients must know they can get care when they need it. Telehealth is a tool to bring them care around the clock, wherever they are.

Any healthcare provider can implement some form of telehealth. It all begins with a plan. The following provides an overview of the implementation steps: 

1. Identify Opportunities to Improve

The first step to implementing telehealth is identifying opportunities to improve patient care and satisfaction. For instance, consider if patients typically spend too much time waiting for appointments. Can telehealth options, like a secure patient portal, help patients complete forms faster and get seen by doctors in less time?

Also, consider workflow needs and look for inefficiencies. Think about how telehealth technology can speed up communication between employees and other physicians and improve workflow overall.

2. Consider How You’ll Deliver Telehealth Services

After identifying issues, think about the tools you’ll use to help solve these problems. There are different categories of telehealth to consider:

• Synchronous: Synchronous telehealth refers to real-time interactions between a patient and a provider. This form of telehealth requires hardware and software that lets you hold video and audio meetings.
• Asynchronous: Asynchronous telehealth is when patients and doctors exchange information at different times. An example of asynchronous telehealth is if a patient emails test results and their doctor reviews them later. To offer asynchronous telehealth, you’d need a tool like a HIPAA-compliant email service. Giving patients remote monitoring devices, like glucose meters or oximeters, is also a form of asynchronous telehealth.

3. Learn the Rules

Implementing telehealth requires compliance with various state and federal laws. For instance, healthcare providers must use technology that complies with HIPAA regulations, such as the Privacy Rule and Security Rule. At Prelude Services, our team of IT experts can ensure your telehealth software and hardware meet the highest security standards, including those set by HIPAA.

4. Build an Implementation Team

Successful telehealth implementation requires teamwork. Determine who will play a role in the implementation and their duties. Include individuals in financial, technological, administrative, leadership, legal and clinical roles.

If you choose to outsource part or all of your IT operations, let us know. We can help you reach your telehealth implementation goals, whether you need cybersecurity protection or assistance finding the right tools. Our team can also offer support if you experience any technology issues.

5. Gather Resources

There are many resources available to help you and your team implement telehealth. For instance, the Health Resources and Services Administration built Telehealth.HHS.gov to help healthcare providers offer or expand telehealth services. The AMA also created a Telehealth Implementation Playbook to help practices adopt telehealth and integrate digital tools into their workflows and patient care. 

How Prelude Services Can Help

Telehealth is here to stay and will continue to evolve. Whether you’re just starting with telehealth or need to enhance your current systems, we can help you get on board.

We are a managed service provider compliant with Service and Organization Controls. We’ll prioritize your patients’ data safety and offer secure solutions that your IT needs. Our services include:

• 24/7 support desk
• Security management
• HIPAA risk assessment
• Hardware and software support
• Cloud computing
• Enterprise reporting
• Network management

Contact us today to learn more about our IT services and how we can help you implement telehealth compliantly and efficiently.

The post The Differences Between Telehealth and Telemedicine appeared first on Prelude Services.

Protecting sensitive patient information is critical in today’s digitized healthcare landscape. The prevalence of phishing attacks in healthcare has reached alarming proportions, posing a substantial threat to data security. According to recent statistics, phishing is the leading cause of cyberattacks in the healthcare sector. 

But what is phishing? It’s not only deceptive emails — it also takes the form of voice-based and SMS-based attacks. Cybercriminals relentlessly pursue unsuspecting employees who inadvertently grant access to confidential data by clicking seemingly harmless links. 

The consequences of a healthcare data breach are severe, with an average financial loss reaching nearly $11 million in 2023. This financial burden, coupled with the potential for serious patient harm and disrupted emergency services, underscores the urgency of safeguarding healthcare data.

This blog explores effective strategies to protect healthcare data from phishing attacks, empowering professionals with the knowledge to defend against this pervasive threat.

Understanding Phishing in Healthcare

In healthcare, the term “phishing” takes on a particularly ominous meaning. Phishing attacks in healthcare involve cybercriminals deploying cunningly deceptive tactics to trick employees into divulging sensitive information — often through seemingly innocuous emails, messages or phone calls.

These attacks are severe threats with dire consequences. A phishing attack in healthcare can lead to compromised patient data, unauthorized access to medical records and financial losses. They are more than financial burdens — they can severely harm patients and disrupt essential services.

For instance, in 2021, 32% of cyberattacks in healthcare impacted patient safety. Even more concerning, 26% of these attacks disrupted devices and systems, affecting IT operations and putting lives at risk.

It’s impossible to overstate the criticality of proactive prevention. With phishing attacks representing a significant portion of cyberattacks in healthcare, organizations and professionals must equip themselves with the knowledge and tools to protect healthcare data from phishing. 

Common Phishing Tactics in Healthcare

In the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, healthcare professionals must be well-versed in common phishing tactics that threaten data integrity. Recognizing these tactics is the first line of defense in protecting sensitive patient information and maintaining the sanctity of healthcare operations. Here are a few common phishing attacks in healthcare.

Email-Based Attacks

Phishing in healthcare often comes in the form of deceptive emails. Cybercriminals meticulously craft legitimate messages using alarming subject lines or mimicking trusted sources. They may impersonate colleagues, administrators or governmental agencies to persuade recipients to click on malicious links or download infected attachments. Recognizing these suspicious emails is essential. Look for telltale signs like generic greetings, poor grammar and unfamiliar sender email addresses.

Social Engineering Tactics

Phishers prey on human psychology. They exploit emotions like fear or curiosity to manipulate healthcare employees into taking actions that compromise security. For instance, they might send emails with fake urgency, like purported patient emergencies, or employ psychological tricks to make recipients feel obligated to respond promptly. Awareness of these manipulative tactics is critical to thwarting their effectiveness.

Impersonation and Spoofing

In healthcare, attackers often impersonate trusted entities, whether it’s a superior within the organization, a co-worker or a legitimate business partner. They skillfully mimic email addresses or websites, making it challenging to discern the deceit. The goal is to gain trust and persuade targets to share sensitive information. Always verify requests’ legitimacy, especially when they involve sensitive data or financial transactions.

How to Prevent Phishing in Healthcare

Preventing phishing attacks in healthcare is crucial, given their severe repercussions on patient data and healthcare operations. Let’s explore comprehensive strategies to safeguard healthcare data from phishing attacks and equip you with the knowledge and tools to fortify your defenses.

Employee Training

Education and awareness are pivotal in preventing phishing attacks in healthcare. Consider implementing a comprehensive training programs that empower employees to effectively recognize and respond to phishing attempts.

Training programs should educate employees about the various forms of phishing attacks, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance when handling emails, messages and other forms of digital communication. By imparting knowledge about the tactics and indicators of phishing, employees can become the first line of defense against these threats.

Practical training through simulated phishing campaigns can be highly effective. By exposing employees to real-world scenarios, organizations can measure their susceptibility to phishing and tailor training accordingly. Tracking improvements in employees’ ability to identify phishing attempts, as demonstrated through lower click rates in subsequent simulations, is a critical success metric.

Successful employee training strengthens cybersecurity and instills a culture of responsibility and security awareness within healthcare organizations.

Technical Safeguards

Robust technical safeguards can bolster your defenses against phishing in healthcare. These measures are essential for preventing malicious emails from reaching their targets and mitigating the potential impact of phishing incidents. Let’s explore a few technical safeguards. 

• Email filtering and blacklists: Healthcare providers should implement advanced email filtering systems to identify and quarantine inbound phishing attempts. Phishing blacklists can enhance security by isolating messages from known spam sources, reducing the chances of an employee inadvertently clicking on a malicious link.
• URL filters for web browsers: URL filtering technology restricts access to malicious websites attackers use to collect user credentials or install malware. By preventing users from visiting these dangerous sites, medical organizations can minimize the risk of falling victim to phishing schemes that lead to data breaches.
• Multifactor authentication: MFA renders stolen credentials ineffective by requiring users to verify their identity through a registered device or additional authentication methods. Even if an attacker acquires login information through a phishing attempt, they would still need the secondary authentication factor — significantly reducing the chances of unauthorized access.

By adopting these technical safeguards, you can proactively fortify your cybersecurity posture and reduce your susceptibility to phishing attacks.

Minimizing Publicly Available Information

To strengthen defenses against phishing attacks, your organization must vigilantly minimize publicly available information. By reducing their digital footprint, medical providers can make it harder for cybercriminals to launch successful phishing campaigns.

Cybercriminals often search for email addresses and contact details on organizational websites to fuel their phishing attempts. By keeping this information confidential, you can thwart attackers seeking to exploit it maliciously.

Cybercriminals can also use publicly available data in spear-phishing attacks, meticulously crafting emails to target specific people within an organization. By limiting the amount of publicly accessible data, healthcare organizations can lower their risk of falling victim to these highly personalized and potentially devastating phishing tactics.

Taking these precautions can significantly diminish your organization’s public profile, making it less appealing to cybercriminals and enhancing overall security against phishing attacks.

Use a Cybersecurity Provider

Collaborating with cybersecurity professionals can be essential to fortifying your defenses against the relentless wave of phishing attacks in healthcare. Outsourcing IT services to a specialized cybersecurity firm offers several advantages. They bring expertise that extends beyond what an in-house team can provide.

Enlisting professional assistance can benefit your healthcare institution in various ways.

• Specialized knowledge: Cybersecurity providers are well-versed in the intricacies of healthcare-specific threats, making them uniquely equipped to combat phishing attacks tailored to the industry.
• Advanced technologies: These experts leverage state-of-the-art technologies and best practices to bolster defenses and swiftly respond to emerging threats.
• Constant vigilance: A dedicated cybersecurity partner offers round-the-clock monitoring and immediate incident response, reducing the impact of potential breaches.

In the ongoing battle against phishing attacks in healthcare, partnering with cybersecurity professionals can make all the difference. With their support, your business can safeguard sensitive patient data, maintain trust and ensure the integrity of their operations. 

Partner With Prelude Services, Your Trusted Cybersecurity Ally

In an age where healthcare data is a prized target for cybercriminals, fortifying your defenses against phishing attacks is not merely a choice — it’s a mandate. We’ve outlined comprehensive strategies to protect healthcare data from phishing attacks. But now, it’s crucial to act. Healthcare professionals, administrators and IT teams must unite in implementing these preventive measures.

The fight against phishing requires expertise and unwavering dedication. With our two decades of cybersecurity excellence, Prelude Services is your strategic partner. We offer a suite of cybersecurity services, including phishing testing, vulnerability scanning, multifactor authentication and more.

Let’s fortify your healthcare organization’s cybersecurity defenses together. Protect the invaluable healthcare data under your care. Contact us online today — your shield against phishing starts here.

The post How to Protect Healthcare Data From Phishing appeared first on Prelude Services.

Senior living centers must protect information regarding patients’ medical records, prescriptions, diagnoses and medical history. Most of this information is private and sensitive, making it essential to protect it from potential hackers or cyberattacks. 

Learning about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), its importance and who needs to comply with HIPAA can help your facility protect information at every step. Senior living centers can take critical steps for protection, including staff training and internet security. 

What Is HIPAA?

HIPAA is a United States law that protects patients’ medical records from being shared with other parties without the patient’s consent. HIPAA sets a standard for privacy that healthcare providers, plans, clearinghouses, and business associates related to healthcare must follow at every step.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implemented both the HIPAA Security Rule and the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The Privacy Rule ensures that healthcare-related industries and companies comply with HIPAA regulations, while the Security Rule protects additional health information outlined in the Privacy Rule.

Why Is HIPAA Important?

HIPAA is important in the healthcare industry because it protects sensitive patient information. Many residents cared for in a senior living center have various health issues, whether due to aging or preexisting conditions. Senior living center patients often require various medical provisions or prescription drugs, making it integral to protect sensitive information related to resident records. 

Any nurse, employee or staff member who works with seniors at nursing homes or living centers must have easy access to residents’ information to ensure each patient receives appropriate care and medications related to their condition. Should something happen, it is essential to have medical records on hand with information about allergies, prior illnesses and health problems or other relevant information. 

At the same time, easy access to patient information requires extra protection to prevent leaks or violations of patient rights. This is why HIPAA was created. Many of the benefits of the Act include the following:

• Patient control: All patients have complete control over their medical information, including who can see it or when it can be shared.
• Boundaries: HIPAA ensures safe limits for sharing and distributing patient health information.
• Safeguards: All providers and medical professionals related to the patient must protect residents’ health information privacy.
• Accountability: Anyone who violates the rules and regulations of HIPAA will be held accountable.

All patients deserve to know how their private health information will be used. Even older adults in nursing homes require boundaries and limits on information release and have the right to receive copies of records whenever asked. 

Who Must Comply With HIPAA Guidelines?

All companies, organizations, businesses and operations that handle protected health information must comply with HIPAA guidelines. For example, the following organizations must remain compliant with HIPAA rules and regulations:

• Health plans: Plans might include Medicaid, Medicare or other specific health programs.
• Healthcare clearinghouses: Clearinghouses include any billing services and companies that collect sensitive health information and process private data.
• Healthcare providers: Providers may include a dentist, surgeon, physician, pharmacy, hospital, clinic or nursing home. 
• Business associates: Businesses that handle health information include document shredding, medical equipment, data processing and data storage companies. 

While HIPAA specifically requires nursing homes to follow their guidelines, other senior living centers and care facilities may not be held to the same laws if they don’t specifically handle health information. Many communities with different models have their own regulations, as HIPAA may not apply to every organization. 

However, if your senior living facility handles any form or amount of healthcare information, it must comply with HIPAA guidelines. It is best practice to follow HIPAA regulations at every step in the process, no matter how much health information you contain. 

In many cases, some organizations may be confused when specific departments or sections of the company work alongside hospitals and healthcare workers who must comply with HIPAA. Following HIPAA regulations ensures patient privacy, and while HIPAA may not specifically name some senior living facilities, it is best practice to follow their guidelines regardless. 

All residents, staff members and healthcare workers at the senior living facility must comply with HIPAA regulations, including refraining from discussing patient information outside the workplace. Keep medical history and patient information private to prevent accidental leaks. 

How To Protect Senior Health Information

Protecting sensitive patient information requires adherence to rules and regulations from every nurse, employee and healthcare provider. Here are four steps to protecting health information in a senior living center.

1. Increasing Internet Security

Increasing your facility’s internet security is a great way to protect senior health information. Many facilities have done away with traditional paperwork filing, mailing or data entry, meaning technology has helped reduce the need for manual labor. However, the possibility of hackers and cyberattacks comes with the increased usage of computer systems and the quick transference of confidential information.

To comply with HIPAA, your facility needs secure software for sensitive information. Ensure you have the firewall applications to block ransomware, malware and phishing attempts. Many IT security companies and outside sources offer the protection assistance you need to fend off possible leaks and attacks.

2. Improving Staff Training

Training staff members, nurses, and all employees in your facility on HIPAA guidelines ensures you maintain compliance at every point. Proper training in HIPAA regulations, data protection and rules allows employees to refer to privacy guidelines when unsure of the next step. You can even have staff members take courses on protecting patient and resident privacy. 

3. Making a Contingency Plan

Make a plan of action should your facility accidentally leak sensitive information or experience a breach in security. Adding security and training measures can only go so far. Data breaches and privacy violations may be possible, but an action plan ensures your company knows what to do in the case of a leak. 

Make sure you track every investigation of a data breach to completion. It should also be possible for staff members to report incidents anonymously when needed. 

4. Securing Outside Access

Due to the nature of your senior care facility, you may have to work with various businesses, care workers, nurses, facilities and individual family members. Third parties often have short-term access to your documents, patient information and sensitive data. The more outside sources gain access to your facility’s private information, the more you must take care to protect that data. 

To secure outside access, be sure all partners sign an agreement with your facility. Do so for any third-party vendors, including but not limited to” attorneys

• Consultants
• Accountants
• Software companies and technicians
• Document destruction services
• Malpractice carriers 
• Telephone providers

All third parties are prohibited from selling or sharing patient information, according to patient rights outlined by HIPAA.

Find Help With Information Security At Prelude Services

Our IT management, security and strategic planning services at Prelude Services protect sensitive patient information. Our services are meant for healthcare providers, whether you work in senior living centers, long-term care, community service or affordable housing. Our secure IT software lets you protect patient information at every step of your facility processes. 

Data security and reliable technology are essential to us. Consider partnering with Prelude Service for all your information technology needs. Contact us today to speak to a representative.

The post How to Protect Health Information in a Senior Living Center appeared first on Prelude Services.

Senior living communities use a wide range of technologies throughout daily procedures. From digital records and recorded voice alerts to motion sensors and security alarms, many forms of technology are used by residents and employees alike. These tools help with residents’ health and safety.

It’s crucial for these technologies to remain online. Without them, residents might not receive the care they need. One way to ensure your technical tools stay protected is with a 24/7 IT service desk. These services offer support for various technologies at any time of day, allowing you to solve issues before they become significant. Whether you need help recovering a lost file or have a question about security protocols, a 24/7 service desk can help.

Discover more benefits of 24/7 service desks for senior living communities.

What Are 24/7 IT Service Desks?

A 24/7 service desk provides a source of ongoing technical support for companies and organizations. This customer service strategy is available during all hours of the day so customers, residents and other patrons can get support whenever they need it. 

Providers might offer 24/7 support through tools like:

• Live phone calls: Most service desks employ IT-certified technicians who have been trained in particular software, hardware or web-based applications. These technicians can respond directly to phone calls from users. Then, they can diagnose and resolve the problem over the phone. If the technician cannot solve the issue, they can escalate it to more senior officials.
• Online submissions: Another form of IT 24/7 support is through online submissions, sometimes called “tickets.” Users can submit questions or concerns through an online form, and technicians respond in writing instead of over the phone. These forms are often intended for issues of lower priority rather than emergencies.
• Online knowledge bases: Many services make knowledge bases available for 24/7 access. These interfaces often contain frequently asked questions, instructions for basic setup, common troubleshooting answers and other useful information. Users can access these bases at all times, allowing them to resolve their problems on their own.

For senior living communities, a 24/7 help desk can assist with the various forms of technology used in the center. For instance, administrators might call or submit a question about record-processing software. With 24/7 support, you can solve technical problems no matter what time they occur.

4 Benefits of a 24/7 Service Desk for Senior Living Communities

Investing in a 24/7 IT service desk can bring many benefits to senior living communities. Here are four examples:

1. Enhanced Safety

The safety of senior residents in living communities is a top priority. Various forms of technology, from security systems to electric wheelchairs, keep residents safe during their stay. Many senior residents rely on technology for their care, making the tools crucial for their well-being.

With a 24/7 IT service desk, you can access support for your community’s technology at all times. With immediate support, you can diagnose technology issues right away. In turn, your community can continue to provide the highest support possible.

For instance, many senior living communities use online software to manage health records and emergency contact information. If a technical malfunction blocked your access to these records, employees would be unable to use them for residents. You could call the 24/7 IT help desk, and they could help you get your files back online. In turn, you can keep your residents safe. 

2. Resident-Centered Approach

As mentioned, technology is a crucial component of senior living communities. By committing to an IT service support line, you can ensure these vital tools stay online and in the best shape possible. You invest in the residents’ well-being and make sure their security remains the highest priority.

From older adult care facilities to hospitals, most healthcare practices use digital solutions to store sensitive data. While these solutions are convenient and streamlined, they also present the threat of cyber attacks. Data breaches at your senior living facility could be extremely harmful, because attackers could gain access to medical records, financial information or other vital documents.

By investing in a 24/7 IT support service, you can add more protection against attacks. You can call the support line if you notice any suspicious activity, preventing large-scale cyber attacks. Many IT support technicians can also help with disaster recovery. In this service, your IT support will help you recover lost files or retrieve other stolen information. 

Overall, the enhanced security of 24/7 IT services helps you focus on residents, from protecting their information to providing the best care possible.

3. Increased Efficiency

Another benefit of a 24/7 security desk is enhanced efficiency. IT support can help you keep your devices and software online. With their help, you can reduce downtime and move through daily tasks more efficiently. You can provide high-quality care to residents without delays due to malfunctioning technology.

For instance, a facility might rely on digital records to know what medications each resident uses each day. If their software was delayed and employees couldn’t access these records, they wouldn’t be able to complete this procedure. With a 24/7 support line, IT service professionals could resolve the issue and allow residents to receive care more quickly.

4. Analyze Responses

You can also use your IT services to analyze your current technology systems. You might notice that you have to call about a particular service more commonly than others. If you realize an application or piece of equipment constantly needs assistance, it might be time to replace or upgrade it. Your IT services can suggest alternatives or help diagnose a larger problem that might need to be addressed. 

Making any suggested updates, repairs or replacements can help your facility’s systems avoid downtime and service delays. IT professionals who have experience with senior living communities can make suggestions tailored to your specific needs.

Contact Prelude Services for 24/7 IT Support

A 24/7 service desk for senior living communities can solve many technical issues. At Prelude Services, we understand the importance of reliable technology in your practice.

Our 24/7 IT support service can help your senior living community stay secure and efficient. We can help with hardware issues, software problems, potential cyber attacks and other technical problems that arise. Our expert technicians provide high-quality advice that resolves your issues quickly. Prelude Services can help senior living communities of all sizes and needs.

To get started with Prelude Services, contact us today.

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Senior living facilities deal with a lot of data at any time, and it’s essential to manage it well. With cloud solutions, your nursing home can gain flexibility, protect sensitive information and save money on hardware. When you approach the transition to the cloud with the right concepts in mind, you can find a solution that fits your business.

The Benefits of Moving to the Cloud

Many companies find themselves moving to the cloud for its many benefits. Advantages include:

• Accessibility: You can access cloud applications, files and more from any internet-connected device. Improve your data access across all device types, including smartphones and tablets.
• Flexibility: The cloud uses all the available applications and features to scale with your business. As your needs change, you can modify your solutions to suit your facility.
• Automation: Having automatic updates is standard among cloud applications, so you’ll have the fastest, most secure version available.
• Cost-savings: Cloud computing reduces the need for hardware at your facility so that you can save on cables, hard drives and more.
• Security: With all of your data moved offsite, stolen computers or laptops won’t compromise any sensitive information.

3 Tips for Moving to the Cloud

Moving to the cloud can be a simple task with the right approach. If you keep these tips in mind, you can easily transition to the cloud and enjoy its many benefits.

1. KNOW WHAT YOU NEED

There are many far-reaching ways cloud infrastructure can support a nursing home. You can use the cloud to store data, share files and create entire desktops. There are also cloud-based backup plans to help you recover lost data.

When you look into cloud infrastructure, make sure you understand your priorities. Maybe you start with data storage to get files transferred to a single, accessible location to start. Perhaps you’re looking for a complete cloud desktop solution. Discuss your options with your service provider to find the right match for your needs.

2. PRIORITIZE SECURITY

The data you handle at a senior living facility is sensitive information, and it’s essential to keep it secure. When you choose your cloud solution, make sure to look into the security in place to encrypt and protect your data. You can also look into additional protective abilities like password-locked file folders and admin-only access.

3. LOOK FOR TRAINING AND SUPPORT

If you and your team are unfamiliar with the cloud, it’s helpful to work with a provider who offers ongoing support. If you have any questions about how to use your applications or troubleshoot problems, a point of contact is valuable. Added training can help you overcome any challenges of moving to the cloud, so you can implement the cloud across your organization and get everyone on the same page. 

Move to the Cloud With Prelude Services

At Prelude Services, we specialize in IT for healthcare providers like nursing homes. Our team supports private and public cloud solutions through our fully redundant data centers and hosting capabilities. With annual auditing against the SSAE SOC 2 standards, we confirm the security, availability, processing integrity and confidentiality necessary for your senior living community.

If you’re ready to transition to the cloud, our cloud computing support can help you meet your goals. Get in touch today to learn more about our services.

The post Moving Your Senior Living Facility or Nursing Home to the Cloud appeared first on Prelude Services.

With the ever-increasing presence of technology, cyber attacks have ramped up over recent years. Industries of all types face cybersecurity threats that put sensitive data at risk for millions of people worldwide.

4 Top Industries Targeted by Cyber Attacks

Even though anyone can face a cyber attack, there are several industries that hackers most commonly target. These four high-profile industries are substantial targets for cyber threats.

1. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

State, local and government services face cyber attacks. Government agencies contain sensitive information of everyone from top officials to citizens. With this much data, they’ve become an easy target for hackers. Ransomware is one of the most common types of cyber attacks on government agencies and organizations.

2. ENERGY SECTOR

Significant attacks on the energy industry increased over 2020 and 2021, and they are only expected to continue. Hackers attempt to break into the servers of businesses within the energy sector. Considering that energy is vital to the economic security of the United States, it’s no surprise this industry is becoming one of the hardest hit.

3. EDUCATION

With educators, administrators and students in school districts all over the country, there are many people to target in educational systems. Hackers will try anything from spam attacks to ransomware to get ahold of information in this sector. With the increasing use of technology in school settings, attackers have several ways to break into the system. This risk increases for schools that don’t have the budget to focus on cybersecurity.

4. HEALTHCARE AND SENIOR CARE

Healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities, have seen increased cybersecurity attacks in recent years. While a cyber attack on any industry can cause several issues, healthcare is one of the most critical areas.

Patients or other clients arrive at these facilities for care. They need attention and potentially life-saving measures to maintain their health and safety. However, the increase in cyber attacks has led to ransomware that prevents healthcare services. Hackers break in and deny access unless you pay them a hefty ransom. These serious delays influence patient health, which is why it’s essential to invest in robust cybersecurity.

Protect Your Healthcare Facility With Prelude Services Today

Increase your industrial cybersecurity protection in the healthcare sector with Prelude Services. We specialize in the health and senior care industry, allowing us to keep nursing homes and other facilities safe from cyber attacks.

We offer 24-hour, seven-day-a-week desktop support. Our services are SSAE SOC compliant as well, allowing us to keep your data secure. Please contact Prelude Services about our cybersecurity measures today.

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Data breaches in any healthcare setting cause serious problems. As technology gets more and more advanced, patient and resident data migrate onto computer networks. While this digital system provides benefits, it also brings a substantial risk for breaches that compromises nursing home data or cyber attacks at other healthcare facilities.

Using preventative measures and proper response techniques can help keep sensitive data secure.

How to Prevent Cyber Breaches

One of the best ways to handle a data breach is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Cybersecurity measures help prevent breaches before they occur. Several proactive measures you can take include:

• Analyze current risk: Examine areas where your cybersecurity is weak. If you have vulnerabilities, risk analysis can help you detect issues early and put a stop to them before a hacker can enter your network. This assessment is especially vital in the healthcare industry for HIPAA compliance.
• Teach your employees: Educate your personnel on the signs of a cyber threat and the issues they pose to HIPAA compliance. Your employees should know the signs of attacks, such as suspicious links, and understand the consequences if a hacker breaches HIPAA-protected information.
• Limit access to data: Put permission limits on all of your employees. Your staff should only be allowed to reach the data and information they need to do their jobs. Restrict all other data using permission controls.
• Use data encryption services: Protect your data from outside sources with data encryption. Encryption helps keep prying eyes out of the sensitive information in a healthcare system.

There are numerous ways to prevent data breaches, including these promising examples. Engage in these and other cybersecurity best practices to avoid cybersecurity attacks. However, whether you use all of these measures or not, you may still experience a data breach.

Long-Term Healthcare Data Breach Services

Data breaches happen quite often, even occurring in healthcare settings that engage in robust cybersecurity tactics. If an attack happens at your nursing home, what is the best course of action? There are several steps you should take immediately upon recognizing that your data has been breached.

INITIATE YOUR INCIDENT RESPONSE PLAN

The first step following a data breach is to start your response plan, which you should create ahead of time. IT services and other staff members should know what to do to stop hackers from stealing information if possible. They should also know the proper way to gather evidence and keep operating even if certain systems are down.

MAKE CONCLUSIVE DECISIONS

You should make quick and important decisions now that you’ve initiated your data breach response plan. Having an incident response plan should help you figure out the order in which to follow these steps. However, even if you don’t have an incident response plan ready, you can make good decisions to protect your data. Do the following:

• Change passwords or other login credentials.
• Disconnect from the web.
• Disconnect access points.
• Write down every action you take, including information about the breach and how you became aware of it.
• Quarantine malware as evidence.

ANNOUNCE THE DATA BREACH

After you’ve made the initial response, you should consider how to notify the public and any affected individuals. Patients and residents deserve to know that their protected health information may be exposed. You should have a designated spokesperson for data breaches.

When deciding what to say and when, there are several factors to consider. You only have about 60 days to notify the public of a breach. However, the longer you wait, the more likely it is that you’ll damage your reputation. Your patients and residents are likely to find out about the data breach through news media or another platform. If you’ve said nothing, they’re more likely to grow distrustful of you.

Be decisive and honest about what you say. People respond better to the truth, even if you don’t have much information yet.

REPAIR AND REPLACE

You’ll need to patch any systems that were damaged or breached during the attack. Run test to make sure everything is secured. Ensure your network, systems and response plan are all updated, especially if you noticed any faults in your incident response plan.

If your plan has shortcomings — or if you didn’t have one to begin with — you should consider updating or developing a new one. Bring your repaired systems back online and start to prepare for the next potential data breach. Cyber attacks are here to stay, though you can prepare for one with coordinated prevention and response strategies.

Respond to Cybersecurity Breaches With Prelude Services

Prelude Services can help you prevent and respond to data breaches in your nursing home or other healthcare facilities. We offer network and software support to help you stay up-to-date and secure. Please contact us today for more information about how we handle cybersecurity for the healthcare industry.

The post How to Handle a Data Breach at Your Nursing Home appeared first on Prelude Services.

Everything nowadays relies on technology. From manufacturing to office jobs and even healthcare, there are no industries that exist without the use of technological systems. 

If companies can’t keep up with these new developments, then they will struggle to stay competitive and provide for their customers. That’s especially true in the healthcare industry. Staying up to date with innovations is essential to patient care and company efficiency. So, what can your nursing home or healthcare facility do to keep up with the times? The answer is simple — invest in network management for nursing homes and health clinics.

What Is Network Management?

Healthcare network management is the process of monitoring and maintaining the technology systems that a healthcare facility uses. In recent years, technologies have become more advanced and complicated, and it can be difficult for healthcare providers to keep up. After all, if you’re a healthcare professional, you should be focusing on your patients rather than technology. However, these systems are essential for managing patient information. Healthcare providers can’t afford not to have a system — or to have a system that is too complicated to manage. 

That’s where healthcare network management comes in. Rather than healthcare workers having to maintain complex systems and losing time helping patients, network management for nursing homes and health clinics ensures that patients are the focus. Network management for senior living communities gives the technical work to technology experts.

How Network Management Can Benefit Your Healthcare Facility

The benefits of network management for nursing homes and other healthcare applications are endless. You can explore a few of them below.

CONTROLLING COSTS

It’s clear that network management for nursing homes is needed, but what are the added benefits of network management in healthcare? The first is the ability to control and decrease company costs. 

Your business likely already has an array of systems in place that rely on technology. As more and more are added, it will become more challenging to maintain them all. One option is to hire and train an IT department to manage these systems for you. While this approach might make sense in the beginning, hiring and retaining dedicated IT personnel can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over just a few years.

Your other option is hiring a healthcare network management company. This approach will save your facility money in the long run, and it comes with countless other benefits.

INCREASED EFFICIENCY

Nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals don’t have the time to ensure all technology is running properly — they’re busy saving lives. The older your systems get and the more systems you have, the more challenging it will be to consolidate data.

One of the benefits of network management in nursing homes is that healthcare staff can simply use the technology for what they need. They won’t have to troubleshoot, manage data or serve as tech support for patients. The network management company will handle all of these concerns. When your healthcare workers can focus solely on patient care, the entire facility will run more efficiently.

REDUCING DOWNTIME

Another benefit of network management in healthcare is reducing company downtime. Have you ever had one of your technology systems break? How long did it take to fix? With healthcare network management, someone will always be monitoring your systems to ensure that technology is back up and running as soon as possible. Beyond reducing downtime, network management will result in less of a hassle when issues do happen and less stress trying to fix them.

INCREASING FLEXIBILITY

The benefits of network management in nursing homes don’t end there. With a completely managed network, flexibility of staff and company capabilities can be improved. Your company can add more technology to improve communication, data management and security. By adding network management for senior living communities, you can ensure all of your patients — and their data — are cared for. 

Integrating and managing all technologies will also position the company better for the future. With solid network management in place, your facility will stand out among competitors.

Contact Prelude Services for Network Management Services

Network management in healthcare offers a multitude of benefits, whether you’re running a hospital, clinic, nursing home or another facility. So, why not research your network management options? Prelude Services offers data and IT management services as well as reporting, cloud computing and other technology management options. 

If your healthcare company or nursing home is having difficulties managing a multitude of technology applications and systems, turn to Prelude Services. Our expert IT professionals are ready to create a solution that works for you. Contact us today to learn more about healthcare network management for nursing homes.

The post The Benefits of Network Management in Healthcare appeared first on Prelude Services.

Technology is essential for effective communication within the senior care industry. Fully functional technology enables workers to do their jobs more efficiently and allows residents to connect with off-site friends and family members better. To keep digital devices up and running, senior community and assisted living technology support is crucial.

In this article, we’ll look at why onsite technical services are important for senior living communities and the benefits of working with a professional IT provider for senior living technology support. 

Onsite IT Services for Senior Living Communities

Because technology is constantly evolving, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest advancements and solutions. The overwhelming nature of technology combined with the consistently changing HIPAA standards for healthcare providers can put senior living and care organizations under an extreme amount of stress. However, onsite IT services can help those in the senior healthcare community avoid technical troubles and continue offering the highest quality of care.

Having a team of IT experts who can quickly identify and neutralize the matter is oftentimes more efficient than having regular staff troubleshoot the issue. Working with an IT service provider can help senior living communities create a safe, comfortable environment equipped with the technology necessary for delivering the care residents need. A professional IT service will also be able to help set up devices and solve technical troubles for residents.

Here are the top five advantages to working with an onsite IT services team:

• Cybersecurity: Many organizations are unaware of the specific steps they need to take to keep their network and data secure. With reliable onsite IT support, any potential data security issues can be addressed quickly to avoid any major data breaches or future network failures.
• Speed: Devoting hours to trying to figure out a technological problem on your own can be frustrating. Instead, call a professional and have the issue repaired faster than it would take to figure out the solution by yourself. In addition to getting an efficient fix, leaving the IT services to the professionals can save an organization from accidentally worsening a tech issue.
• Reliable Wi-Fi: Nowadays, Wi-Fi is essential to running a successful organization. A large senior living community can be intricate, with multiple facilities in need of total Wi-Fi coverage at all times. An onsite IT service can help develop a wireless strategy for your organization that will provide the mobility your staff needs to serve residents best.
• 24/7 IT support: Whenever technology is involved, some issues are bound to come up, often at the most unexpected times. Because technical issues within the healthcare field can be urgent, it’s crucial to have a solid IT support system. Partnering with an IT service will ensure your senior living community receives dependable IT help any hour of the day.
• Customized solutions: When it comes to technology, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution because every organization has slightly different needs. An onsite IT service will provide IT plans to address your senior living community’s specific needs, then help you implement those plans to keep your technology running smoothly.

Technology Support Setup for Senior Living Communities

Setting up IT support for a senior living community provides your facilities with protection against potential IT issues as well as a reliable help center for future IT problems. When dealing with new devices, it’s important that they are set up well to ensure all of the programs necessary for running your senior care center are fully functional. From computers and laptops to tablets and printers, be sure to work with an IT support service to securely connect to the Internet and install software properly.

For senior living communities with older PCs and technology, the programs can be brought up to date, excess data can get cleaned up and the overall operating power can be increased. An IT support service will also help eliminate any viruses harming your computers and install security software to fend off future attacks at the first support setup meeting for your facility.

When initially setting up nursing home technology support, a good IT support company should also offer these four fundamental services:

• Cloud computing: As cloud-based software applications continue to steadily grow in popularity, cloud computing services will be key to keeping a senior living community’s technology up and running smoothly.
• Network management: Your IT servicer should provide the network management your senior healthcare center needs to support your data, Internet, voice and video needs.
• Hardware and software support: Certified technicians can help you choose, install and continuously support the hardware and software for all of your devices.
• Enterprise reporting: Be sure to work with an IT service that offers enterprise reporting that will help your senior living community stay informed on all the latest data it needs to remain within HIPAA regulations and operate effectively.

Technology Support Repair for Senior Living Communities

Once your center’s tech network and all its devices have been properly set up, it will need to be maintained. Your tech is only as good as how reliable it is, so it’s imperative to keep it operating smoothly. To prevent residents from becoming frustrated with malfunctioning technology, your senior living community will need a source of 24/7 IT support to cover services such as repair and maintenance for computers, tablets and mobile devices.

Because technology has become such a big part of everyday life, your nursing home needs a dependable technological service that can properly set up digital devices to help prevent IT issues before they occur as well as get your technology back up and running when tech problems do arise. When you partner with a good tech support service, you will get expert advice about how to avoid unexpected breakdowns and a speedy, stress-free way to get devices repaired whenever needed.

A reputable IT support and repair service will provide these onsite tech solutions:

• Installing email and spam filters
• Setting up proxy servers with thorough cybersecurity protection
• Implementing the latest link analysis, URL and attachment sandboxing
• Conducting advanced malware analysis
• Overseeing penetration testing
• Updating plugins
• Backing up data or running file transfers
• Connecting external hard drives or multiple PCs for data transmission and file storage
• Managing the system’s network

When your senior living community’s technology is operating at its highest level, your entire facility will function more efficiently, and the residents can enjoy their personal devices to the fullest. Instead of continually dealing with irritating technology breakdowns, your senior living community as a whole can breathe easier thanks to reliable onsite IT support.

Contact Prelude Services for Onsite Resident Technology and IT Support

If you want the best onsite resident technology and IT support for your senior living community, contact Prelude Services to find out how we can help keep your tech performing at its best. At Prelude, we offer all of the previously listed IT services along with mobile, tablet and PC setup, repair, maintenance, Wi-Fi support and more. We streamline and standardize IT processes to minimize downtime and enhance the quality of your technology.

Make your senior living community a more technologically enriched environment by taking advantage of Prelude’s full installation and maintenance services today.

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