Healthtech Security
Article | August 31, 2023
Contents
1. Getting Started with LIMS Software
2. Benefits of Incorporating LIMS Software into Lab Management
3. LIMS Software Classification
4. Selecting the Right LIMS Software: A Comparison of Variants
5. How LIMS Software Revolutionized Laboratory Management
6. Future Scope
1. Getting Started with LIMS Software
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software automates laboratory operations, improves productivity, and ensures the accuracy as well as reliability of laboratory data. It can be implemented in clinical laboratories, research & development labs, and environmental testing labs and tailored to meet specific needs. LIMS software seamlessly integrates with other laboratory systems, such as electronic lab notebooks and scientific data management systems.
LIMS class software enables storing and managing all information in one place, improving day-to-day work. Yet, research reveals that still 40% of industry leaders 'had not embarked on applying digital to research and development or quality control labs'.
(Source: Accenture)
2. Benefits of Incorporating LIMS Software into Lab Management
By implementing LIMS software, laboratories can significantly reduce time spent locating samples and records, entering data, and generating reports.
LIMS software also offers additional advantages when integrated into laboratory management, such as
1. Optimizing: LIMS automates laboratory processes, allowing for a paperless environment and increased productivity. It also ensures accurate test results by preventing the use of outdated instruments.
2. Automating: LIMS facilitates the input of essential sample information, including its source, date, time, and location of the collection as well as processing data.
3. Compliant: LIMS helps labs follow FDA regulations by creating an audit trail that tracks all activities, including record creation, modification, and deletion. It also enables electronic signatures to authenticate key activities and keep data secure and traceable.
4. Collaborative: LIMS streamlines inter-laboratory collaboration through the option to share data access. This allows lab technicians from disparate laboratories to be seamlessly assigned to different projects and obtain the required information without disruption.
5. Security: LIMS systems offer various mechanisms for managing user access, such as an in-built user management system with a unique username and password, integration with LDAP or Active Directory for user authentication, and access through an Identity Server.
3. LIMS Software Classification
Laboratory Information Management System software can be classified based on several criteria, including functionality, deployment model, industry focus, and the laboratory's needs.
Here is a list of critical features that can be considered while classifying LIMS software:
1. Functionality: Different LIMS software may have varying functionality, including sample tracking, data management, instrument integration, quality control, workflow management, and reporting.
2. Deployment Model: LIMS software can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud. On-premises deployment means that the software is installed and run on the laboratory's own servers, while cloud-based deployment means that the software is hosted and maintained by a third-party provider.
3. Industry Focus: LIMS software can be designed for specific industries or applications, such as pharmaceutical research, clinical laboratories, food and beverage testing, environmental testing, and more.
4. Open-Source vs. Proprietary: LIMS software can also be classified as either open-source or proprietary. Open-source software is freely available and can be modified by users, while a company owns proprietary software and requires a license to use it.
5. Scalability: The size of the laboratory and the number of users accessing the LIMS software can also be a factor in classification. Some LIMS software may be more scalable, allowing for easy expansion as the laboratory grows.
6. Integration Capabilities: LIMS software can also be classified based on its ability to integrate with other software or instruments. Some LIMS software may be more flexible and have better integration capabilities than others, allowing for seamless data exchange between different systems.
4. Selecting the Right LIMS Software: A Comparison of Variants
While selecting the most appropriate LIMS variant, the wide range of available options can pose a challenge for laboratory decision-makers. To aid in this selection process, a comprehensive comparative analysis of LIMS variants is presented below:
1. Lab managers can adopt an objective approach for evaluating and comparing different LIMS solutions by creating a grading rubric. This involves designing a table with separate columns for each LIMS vendor and rows listing the desired features as well as functionalities. To provide a more comprehensive evaluation, advanced rubrics may include rating each functionality on a particular LIMS using a scale of 1 to 5.
2. Next, it is crucial to review how LIMS solutions are structured and stored. This includes determining whether the solution is on-premise or cloud-based, either as a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) or software-as-a-service (SaaS). For optimal flexibility in the laboratory's computing structure, choosing a vendor that offers LIMS as a comprehensive solution is advantageous.
3. Data access must be controlled by using unique user IDs and passwords. Furthermore, data security standards such as HIPAA compliance and SSL encryption will likely be mandatory across many laboratory industries. It is thus imperative to carefully consider and ensure the security features of any potential LIMS solution.
4. To assess the level of support that can be expected with a particular LIMS, one effective method is to directly inquire with the software vendor about outages, response time, and plans of action to address any glitches preemptively. Managing expectations around the LIMS requires asking about the frequency of LIMS updates, including how often the platform is updated, how updates are announced and deployed, and the expected duration of any update-related outages.
5. While selecting a LIMS solution, laboratories must establish a target go-live date, especially when implementing the system in response to, or preparation for, an audit. Software vendors should provide a deployment and implementation timeline, which can be used to compare with the laboratory's objectives and goals. This helps to ensure that the LIMS solution is implemented in a timely and efficient manner.
5. How LIMS Software Revolutionized Laboratory Management
LIMS software has fundamentally revolutionized the laboratory management system in several ways. Before the advent of LIMS, laboratory operations were often paper-based and highly manual, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and inconsistencies. However, with the implementation of LIMS, laboratories have become more efficient, accurate, and compliant.
LIMS has also improved laboratory productivity, allowing scientists to focus on higher-value tasks like data analysis and interpretation. It has enabled collaboration between different laboratories, facilitating communication and knowledge sharing between scientists, researchers, and analysts, and is also leading to more significant innovation and progress in the field of science and research.
6. Future Scope
The future scope of Laboratory Information Management System software is promising as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of laboratory management. Potential developments include integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, cloud-based solutions for scalability and accessibility, IoT integration for automation and safety, enhanced data analytics for improved decision-making, and mobile applications for on-the-go access. Moreover, with SaaS LIMS, there are no license costs, minimal installation fees, and no need for in-house servers or databanks, resulting in reduced IT maintenance costs for hardware and software.
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Health Technology
Article | September 12, 2023
Over the last couple of years, the healthcare industry has witnessed significant technological advancements transforming numerous procedures and treatments, ranging from magnetic resonance imaging scanners and radiotherapy to antibiotics and anesthetics.
In addition, the introduction of novel technologies (new pharmaceuticals and treatments, new equipment, new social media support for healthcare, etc.) has further provided air to the fire for innovation in the sector, encouraging healthcare providers to upgrade their technological infrastructure.
Medical Computers Paving the Way in Healthcare
Use of modern technology, such as medical computers, is becoming more and more crucial in healthcare institutions, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized treatment centers. These computers are used in hospitals for a variety of purposes, from better laparoscopic, minimally invasive surgical techniques used by surgeons to patient tracking and health monitoring gadgets.
Medical computers are becoming more prevalent as they help medical professionals make faster, more reliable, and more accurate decisions. Additionally, they enable the emergence of new data, integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, and enhance decision-making processes, which are particularly crucial when it comes to medical diagnostics and treatment. New computer and technology solutions in the healthcare sector are enabling a wide range of outcomes that were previously unimaginable. They assist medical practitioners in both data collection and data interpretation, enabling them to make decisions that are thoroughly informed by insight. Here are some of the applications that have experienced immense transformation in recent years
Hospital Information Systems
Medical Personnel and Staff Management
Data Analysis in Medicine
Medical Imaging
Computer-assisted Therapy
Laboratory Computing
Critical Patient Care
Computer Assisted Decision-making (CMD)
Patient Check-In and Status
Growing Adoption Encouraging Product Launches
With technologies like medical computers becoming essential for processing numerous day-to-day operations in the healthcare industry, the need for these computers is growing at a rapid pace. Hence, a number of medical equipment providers are emphasizing on offering cutting-edge solutions to modern healthcare facilities.
For instance, in 2021, American Portwell Technology, Inc., a world-leading innovator of the Industrial PC, unveiled two certification-ready all-in-one medical computers - MEDS-P2410-P200 (23.8″) and MEDS-P2210-P200 (21.5″) with features such as true-flat capacitive touchscreen and optional hot-swappable batteries.
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Healthtech Security
Article | November 29, 2023
Electronic medical records (EMR) conferences are vital for professionals who wish to stay updated on latest healthcare innovations. Join industry experts to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.
Electronic medical records (EMR) are digital versions of patients’ medical information. These can be managed, accessed, and shared by authorized healthcare providers within a single healthcare organization. Staying informed with the latest updates on EMR conferences is crucial for healthcare providers, administrators, and IT professionals responsible for implementing and maintaining these systems. Attending these conferences offers the opportunity to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, network with experts, earn continuing education credits, and enhance professional development in the rapidly-evolving healthcare landscape.
Explore the EMR conference schedule and highlights for the healthcare industry, featuring the best EMR conferences for medical professionals with a focus on digital health, electronic patient records, and other notable advancements. Attend these top events to stay informed and connect with industry experts:
1.MedInfo 2023
July 8 to 12 | Sydney
MedInfo, a health informatics event with the theme ‘The Future is Accessible’, will take place at the International Convention Centre (ICC). The conference aims to explore digital healthcare beyond borders and will feature 700 keynote speakers addressing over 3,000 delegates from more than 50 countries. The event will cover a diverse range of topics, with particular emphasis on nursing and digital health.
2.e-Health 2023 Conference and Tradeshow
May 28 to 30 | Toronto
e-Health, a premier event for Canadian digital health professionals, will be held at Beanfield Centre. Committed to making a difference in health and healthcare delivery, this annual conference & tradeshow has remained a vital epicenter of digital health discussion and debate since 2000, attracting a diverse line-up of in-demand speakers, expert panelists, presenters, and leading-edge exhibitors. Attendees can expect a wonderful platform to learn, connect, and engage with peers both nationally and globally, along with networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
3. Digital Healthcare World Congress 2023
May 23-24 | London
Digital Health World Congress 2023, slated to take place at Kensington Conference & Event Centre, will feature discussions on various medical and mobile technologies such as e-health, m-health, telehealth, telemedicine, genomics, biotech, life sciences, healthtech, genetics, pharma, and healthcare IT. This event will be crucial for healthcare professionals looking to gain insights into the latest developments in electronic medical records.
4. 11th International Conference on Internal Medicine & Patient Care
July 20-21 | Florida
The conference aims to explore the latest developments and advancements in the field of internal medicine through the theme of ‘Current Research and Advances in Internal Medicine’. It will cover topics such as dermatology, cosmeceuticals, and laser treatments, with a significant scientific session on ‘Electronic Medical Record and Disease Management’. Attendees can take advantage of opportunities to present their research, learn about career development, and gain insights into the latest tools & technologies. The conference promotes collaboration among young researchers and offers a chance to interact with peers and established leaders globally.
5. openEHR Conference
June 6 | Barcelona
openEHR aims to bring together healthcare professionals, medical informatics experts, care providers, researchers, authorities, regulators, and service providers. The event's theme 'No time to waste: building the lifelong, patient-centric EHR,' emphasizes raising awareness about the current state of semantic interoperability in healthcare. The objective is to enable different healthcare systems and applications to share and utilize patient data seamlessly and accurately, irrespective of the technology used, to create patient-centric electronic records that can be accessed and used throughout a patient's lifetime.
6. Oracle Health Conference
September 18-20 | Las Vegas
Attend the Oracle Health Conference to discover how Oracle Health is revolutionizing healthcare technology. Formerly known as the Oracle Cerner Health Conference, this event features innovative product demos, education sessions on industry challenges, and networking opportunities with like-minded peers. Gain insights into how technology can improve patient outcomes, enhance clinical efficiency, and drive innovation in healthcare organizations.
7. Electronic Medical Records Boot Camp
August 21-22 | Virtual
The upcoming Electronic Medical Records Boot Camp invites attendees to gain valuable insights into biostatistical methods for analyzing EMR data. This intensive two-day program features seminars and hands-on analytical sessions, providing attendees with an overview of electronic health data opportunities, statistical challenges, and the latest techniques related to electronic medical records. The program aims to help attendees leverage electronic medical records for better healthcare outcomes.
8. The Healthcare Innovation Congress
June 20 – 22, 2023 | Washington, DC
The Healthcare Innovation Congress (thINc360), formerly known as The World Health Congress, aims to bring together executives from a wide range of healthcare sectors. Over the course of three days, the conference will offer tailored educational experiences specifically designed for executives representing healthcare professionals, health plans, and hospitals.
9. Digital Health Transformation Summit 2023
May 22-24 | Chicago
This event aims to highlight how innovation is driving change across the healthcare industry, leading to gains in quality, affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. The panel of Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Innovators will discuss the latest innovative projects, products, and developments in healthcare, including the use of AI to leverage the abundance of patient data from EHRs and digital tools for improved diagnoses, treatments, and disease prevention.
10. World Medical Innovation Forum
June 12-14 | Boston
World Medical Innovation Forum (WMIF) is a global event that brings together leaders in healthcare investment, technology, manufacturing, and regulation at Westin Boston Seaport District. The forum, presented by Mass General Brigham and Bank of America, aims to advance patient-benefitting technologies by exploring the promise of new patient care and addressing the challenges to their development and investment. The ultimate goal is to find solutions to medical, operational, and economic challenges to benefit patients, providers, and healthcare organizations at the earliest feasible time.
11. Bits & Pretzels Healthtech
June 20-21 |Munich
Conference will focus on technology-driven healthcare innovation and its potential to enhance patient outcomes. The conference will explore the patient journey from prevention to aftercare, with a focus on technology's role in driving innovation. Attendees will examine how new technologies such as AI, bio 2.0, and IoT ingestible can improve healthcare delivery.
12. IHI Patient Safety Congress
May 22-24 | Maryland
Organized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), the event, which will take place at National Harbor, aims to bring individuals together who are passionate about ensuring safe and equitable care for patients in all settings, including hospitals, outpatient facilities, and homes. It will feature engaging speakers who will share their vision for smarter, safer care, and attendees will have access to practical workshops, which will provide real-world insights that can be implemented within their organizations. This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in shaping the future of patient safety.
13. Intelligent Health Conference 2023
June 14 | Pilestredet
The Intelligent Health Conference 2023 is an event organized by Intelligent Health Initiative at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University to provide an update on the latest developments & research in the field of digital health. The event will bring together experts & researchers in the field to discuss the use of digital technologies such as AI and wearable devices for improved health services. The conference will focus on various technologies that are becoming an integrated part of daily life, including mobile health and applications, electronic medical records, and telehealth as well as telemedicine.
14. HealthTech Innovation Days
October 24-25 | Paris October 27 | Virtual
The fifth edition of HealthTech Innovation Days (HTID) event, organized by the non-profit organization HealthTech Care and initiated by France Biotech, aims to facilitate faster delivery of innovative products to patients by providing a platform for European life sciences stakeholders. The HTID event provides various activities to facilitate the progress of innovation, such as the chance to engage with knowledgeable professionals, participate in panel discussions led by experts from around the world, and obtain valuable insights into critical subjects.
15. Digital Health Innovation Summit
June 6-7, 2023 | California
The 23rd rebranded edition of Digital Health Innovation Summit, organized by World BI, will take place at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Embarcadero Waterfront Hotel. The event aims to provide a unique opportunity for professionals in the pharma, healthcare, and medtech industries to connect with thought leaders, explore the latest trends in digital health technologies & advancements in electronic medical records, and gain valuable insights to enhance patient care. With the participation of clinicians, scientists, entrepreneurs, biomedical engineers, patient advocates, and top technology providers, this summit will serve as a crucial gathering for professionals driving innovation in healthcare.
Wrapping Up
Participating in electronic medical records conferences can facilitate professional development, accrue continuing education credits, and help individuals stay abreast of the rapidly-evolving healthcare landscape. EMR conferences frequently offer focused conference tracks or sessions dedicated to various EMR-related topics such as implementation, data analytics, interoperability, privacy and security, and patient engagement. Participating in these specialized tracks can provide attendees with a more targeted and comprehensive learning experience, and can contribute significantly to improving the quality of healthcare delivery, enhancing patient outcomes, and driving innovation in the healthcare industry.
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Health Technology
Article | September 28, 2022
Introduction
Healthcare supply chains are highly regulated, high-margin domains with stringent quality criteria, such as the demand for cold-chain storage and shipping. In addition, due to a lack of adequate understanding of the complicated rules governing healthcare products and services, medical aid providers are encountering inefficiencies while outsourcing capabilities to logistics service providers (LSPs).
In today's value-based care paradigm, healthcare leaders are tasked with improving patient outcomes while decreasing costs. With surging globalization, the growing cross-border nature of several medical products, and rising complexities in healthcare logistics, the need for building a robust supply chain is rapidly increasing across the healthcare industry.
Key Ways to Enhance Healthcare Supply Chain
A resilient supply chain plays a vital role in managing supplies, procuring resources, and shipping medical goods, among others, which assists in improving patient outcomes, enhancing service efficiency, and declining costs. Healthcare organizations are aiming to strengthen their supply chain to enjoy these benefits such as increased reimbursement, improved quality control, reduced inventory and overhead costs, and better collaboration with suppliers.
Here are some of the key ways to assist medical aid providers in building a strong healthcare supply chain
Develop effective inventory management
Manufacturers frequently encounter difficulties with timely inventory movement through their supply chains. Revenue is lost, and profit margins are harmed when products expire because they are not used adequately. This is why it is crucial to effectively manage the inventory process.
Hence, healthcare executives should deploy a high-quality equipment management system and increase collaboration between organizations, suppliers, and manufacturers to assist them in controlling inventory levels and effective inventory management.
Use technology and analytics to make operations run smoother
When it comes to supply chain management automation, the healthcare sector continues to lag behind other sectors. This is true for both the enterprise resource planning (ERP) functions and data analytics use for making decisions about forecasting and product choice.
Healthcare executives should make use of efficient technologies, such as solid analytics, in order to successfully improve a supply chain. Implementing data analytics and automation tools can assist in making healthcare supply chain management more efficient and effortless.
Widen and strengthen the supplier base
One of the most effective ways to build a robust healthcare supply chain is by increasing the number of suppliers and enhancing supplier base management.
Manufacturers and purchasers should abandon using single-or limited-source supply chains for raw materials and finished goods. This will assist healthcare companies in expanding their network of raw material suppliers and helps in careful consideration of which suppliers to use for procuring which resources.
Improve order accuracy and order cycle times to lower costs
Healthcare providers sometimes encounter a large number of errors during the ordering process. When incorrect products are ordered, the facilities face losses in revenue and are sometimes unable to deliver specific services due to the unavailability of products they need. Errors in placing orders can also result in medication errors. This can lead to a decrease in patient outcomes and negatively impact the company’s revenue growth.
To reduce the frequency of errors, these providers should deploy a computerized provider entry system. This will help improve order accuracy, increase supply chain efficiencies, and shorten turnaround times in healthcare ordering processes.
Consistently track and calibrate performance
Regardless of the size of the healthcare facility, it is of great importance for medical aid providers to carefully track and calibrate their performance frequently or on a specified timeline. This enables clinically integrated supply chains in healthcare to use key performance indicators (KPIs) to compare outcomes in terms of cost and quality and make decisions about products.
What’s Next?
The rising integration of novel disruptive technologies such as data analytics, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, and blockchain into healthcare supply chain management software is facilitating smooth operations, transparency, growth, and security across the life-science industry.
With a growing need for enhancing supply chains, healthcare providers are focusing on deploying advanced supply chain management solutions, such as healthcare logistics software, to strengthen their supply chains. As the trend continues to grow, the sales of healthcare supply chain management software and services are anticipated to rise from the US$2.2 billion registered in 2020 to US$3.3 billion by 2025.
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