by
Sean Ruck, Contributing Editor | February 20, 2018
From the January/February 2018 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
HCB News: In a HIMSS survey from last year, two-thirds of respondents reported a "significant" cybersecurity incident. In what ways is HIMSS responding to the uptick in hackers targeting health care?
DH: HIMSS hosted a hackathon to address cybersecurity threats and supported numerous readiness initiatives that included collateral, tip sheets, webinars and leaders of various types coming together to talk through best practices. In 2017, HIMSS got in touch with our full membership and worked in partnership with related federal agencies to talk through education, strategy and prevention. Our cybersecurity call to action includes strategies and a tool kit. We worked in partnership with organizations that set standards for technical security measures, and provided feedback and access to those types of measures for health care providers.
HCB News: What are some of the presentations or events taking place at HIMSS18 that you’re most excited about?
DH: I’m looking forward to the Magic Johnson session and all of the keynote speakers. And, I can’t really describe how phenomenal the networking is. All of the networking events will be wonderful. All my vendors will be there. All my colleagues will be there. New people will be there.
HCB News: There is a noticeable gap between the cutting-edge solutions showcased at HIMSS and the day-to-day health IT reality of most facilities. What role does HIMSS play in making these innovations an actual component of patient care?
DH: While I represent the board of HIMSS North America, HIMSS as an organization focuses on innovation, thought leadership and community building globally. I see innovation at the core of HIMSS’ global quest to transform health. HIMSS is shaping the foundation of a worldwide ecosystem where information and technology-driven innovation powers the transformation of health.
To actually implement and integrate innovation into patient care, HIMSS advises global leaders, executives, government entities and others of best practices in health information and technology to improve patient care by having the right information at the right time to make the right decisions. We create the opportunities to discuss technology, to allow innovators to talk to clinicians, executives and providers using systems every day, and to connect the dots on workflow.
HCB News: Turning the focus more to your role, what are some of your goals as HIMSS chair?
DH: I would like to encourage more minorities and women to pick a career in health care technology. As part of that, we are promoting HIMSS’ vision of better health through information and technology in school systems and colleges. Many times, young people don’t know about careers in our field. HIMSS is here to change that.
