Introduction
- Would you recognise an RFID chip on an Xray?
- Could you manage the acutely unwell patient with a malfunctioning brain device?
- Do your safeguarding guidelines account for the risks of GPS tracking and surveillance apps that impact for victims of violence?
- How would you manage a hacked insulin pump?
The increased connectivity of implanted medical devices has exposed patients to new health risks. Features such as continuous Bluetooth data streaming and device customisation via Radiofrequency Telemetry (RF) have benefitted patients through personalisation of care, yet these lines of communication are vulnerable to Electromagnetic (EM) interference and targeted hacks by malicious actors. Clinicians are not trained in the recognition of biotechnological syndromes and as a result may fail to recognise clinical presentations that result from technology (e.g. neurological sequelae of a malfunctioning Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS)). Our team are looking to improve clinician knowledge of cyber-emergncies through (i) Clinical Training Sessions in Cyber Medicine, & (2) An Interdisciplinary Workshop bringing together Medics, Cybersecurity Experts and Policy Makers. Please contact isabelstraw@doctors.org.uk for any questions.
Background on Interdisciplinary Workshop
The integration of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices (e.g. interconnected insulin pumps) and AI into clinical routines is significantly impacting organisational preparedness at the point of care, raising concerns not only about the resilience of the healthcare infrastructure, but also about how healthcare professionals respond to, manage, and minimise new risks associated with connected, intelligent medical devices for patient safety and quality of care. Through the eyes of healthcare practitioners, workshop participants will discuss how growing cybersecurity risks and software malfunctions in connected medical devices have manifested in patient care. Participants will first examine real-life experiences and clinical case scenarios, then discuss and evaluate critical challenges faced by healthcare professionals dealing with cybersecurity risks and related software malfunctions in connected, intelligent medical devices.
In this confidential workshop, we will systematically document these challenges, with the aim to provide decision-makers in the healthcare sector with much needed evidence to support clinicians addressing current procedural and expertise gaps pertaining to connected, intelligent medical devices used as implantables, wearables, or as part of hospital equipment. Post-workshop deliverables will include a report to participants synthesizing and summarizing these findings, along with resources supporting further education on the implications of these devices in clinical practice.