Knowledge hub

Medical Devices

Medical devices are integral to modern healthcare, facilitating everything from routine check-ups to complex surgical procedures. However, the management of these devices, particularly in terms of access control, is a critical aspect of implementation that can significantly impact patient safety and operational efficiency. Healthcare organizations need solutions purpose-built to provide secure and efficient access to medical devices for authorized personnel.

Cybersecurity is a key concern when it comes to medical devices. These devices transmit sensitive medical information, and are connected to an organization’s overall network. A strong security solution is necessary to prevent medical devices from becoming vulnerable access points that bad actors can exploit. However, long and complex passwords aren’t a viable option for most healthcare providers. Clinicians often need to access multiple devices and systems many times throughout their shifts, and relying on passwords can be time-consuming, frustrating, and risk users being locked out of devices that are critical for patient care. Clinical workflows must be streamlined to prevent dangerous treatment delays or unsecure clinician workarounds such as sharing credentials.

A medical device security solution that uses quick and easy badge-tap access secures an organizations systems and data while also simplifying clinical workflows. Being able to securely log in at the start of a shift, and thereafter swipe or tap a badge to gain access to workstations and medical devices not only saves time but also reduces the cognitive load on healthcare providers, allowing them to focus more on patient care.

Medical device access solutions can also support better audit and compliance practices. A system that maintains a detailed log of who accessed which devices and when, provides a clear and auditable trail of activity. This is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and conducting thorough investigations in the event of a security incident. For instance, if there is a breach or an unauthorized access attempt, healthcare administrators can quickly identify the source and take appropriate action. This level of transparency and accountability is essential for maintaining the trust of patients and regulatory bodies.