Talk to family and/or friends PATIENT PAIN The benefits digital channels can offer patients are undeniable— access, the convenience of virtual engagement, speed of service, POINTS and so on. But to not acknowledge digital’s potential pitfalls Research the issue online via medical would be naive. Universally, 43 percent of patients say they are websites (i.e., WebMD.com, NHS.uk, at least somewhat concerned about the security of personal ec.europa.eu, and so on) health information. The strain on healthcare systems across the globe has not been caused exclusively by the pandemic; it is Call/visit their healthcare provider also due to the increased threat from cyberattacks that have been attempted during this time. According to the CyberPeace Institute, ransomware attacks in particular have occurred at a Research the issue online via Google rate of 3.5 per week between June 2020 and December 2021 7 in 35 countries . Research the issue online via non- medical websites, such as blogs or Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neutral Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree social media platforms Visit a pharmacy/clinic to speak to someone Can easily access their medical records whenever needed Other Figure 18. Patients’ Primary Resource for Health-Related Concerns. Of the stated resources, patients choose their initial preference for getting advice on their personal health questions. Are concerned about their medical information being hacked or shared without their knowledge Strongly agree Somewhat agree Neutral Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Figure 20. Patient Sentiments Regarding Their Health Information. Patients rate their level of agreement on statements regarding their personal health information. Often read medical information and health tips sent by their HCP Sophisticated, opportunistic cybercriminals look to take increasing digital integration, and relentless opportunists advantage of healthcare organizations at their most imply that these types of threats will not cease any vulnerable moment—during an international health crisis, time soon. with many employees working from home on less secure Furthermore, modifications to the Health Insurance networks. Several significant attacks occurred in 2021— Portability and Accountability Act are expected to go into in July, UC San Diego Health saw its employee email effect in 2022. As consolidation within the healthcare Feel knowledgeable when making account hacked, resulting in the exposure of patients’ industry continues and patient data is simultaneously decisions about their health personal data. Ireland’s Health Service Executive, which amassed, compliance is critical. IBM Security estimates operates healthcare delivery across the country, fell victim the total cost of data breaches in the healthcare and to a major cyberattack on May 21, 2021, consequentially pharmaceuticals industries at more than US$9.2 million delaying or cancelling important services. Experts warn and US$5 million, respectively—but the cost to patient Figure 19. Patient Sentiments Regarding Their Health Knowledge. that medical device security will likely be a target for 8 Patients rate their agreement on statements involving healthcare cybercriminals in the near future. An enduring pandemic, privacy and delivery of care is immeasurable . knowledge and information. 28 29