Just as other healthcare challenges have evolved in the past two decades, so too have those related to security.
“The big thing when you’re considering how healthcare security has changed is that it’s moved beyond traditional access control and asset protection — just responding to calls for service or an incident,” Christopher Carr, director 1–security services at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, said on the “Becker’s Healthcare Podcast.” “Now, regardless of your organization, you face more complex risks.”
In addition to three building blocks of health system security — investing in people, seeking partnerships, and leveling up technology and data — Mr. Carr outlined three areas that require heightened consideration:
1. Behavioral health. “It’s basically in crisis at this point because there were no resources for it previously. You didn’t even really hear of it much prior to 2010 or 2011, and now it’s kind of its own entity. We’ve seen it grow exponentially over the years — just the number of kids who need our services.”
2. Cybersecurity. “The organization we partner with for [Information Security] experiences disruptions from time to time, and that ripples into everything we do. And safety expectations overall have increased not only from patients, but from caregivers and their families.”
3. Staff protection. “We recently started a sub-department around employee protection. If we think there are domestic issues or other situations where an employee needs our help, we can do everything from changing a parking assignment to getting someone an escort to the garage. It’s taken on a life of its own, and that has primarily been the shift in our response.”
In terms of how to accomplish security goals, that is simple on a grand level, Mr. Carr said.
“It comes back to this: Our officers have to balance a welcoming environment with a high level of safety and professionalism,” he said. “That transfers to any healthcare setting if you set the right priorities. In today’s environment, you’re looking at workplace violence, emergency preparedness, access control and staff safety. Know what your threat management plan looks like, and partner with the right people for critical infrastructure protection.”
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
