The concept of  of bring your own device ( BOYD), in the medical and healthcare environment has gained traction in many hospitals and has been around for almost 10 years.Personal mobile devices in hospitals presents a problem for many hospital administration executives. Although there are many “potential” security risks, staff increasingly want to use their own smartphones, tablets and laptops for work purposes. When examined in a practical manner the pros far outweigh the cons if addressed correctly.
This concept is not new and has been on the table for more than enough time to address concerns and ensure practical solutions.
Over 75% of persons queried in the USA in 2018/2019 said some form of BYOD is allowed in their hospitals. Physicians, IT staff and nurse practitioners use BYOD the most. Transport staff, porters, catering security staff and housekeeping staff and nurses use it least.
The main reason hospitals are allowing clinical staff to use their personal devices for work is communication. Personal devices allow healthcare team members to communicate quicker and easier, since they’re already comfortable with their own devices. The items most suited to simple and quick communications in this manner is cell phones.
Many Total Hospital Information Systems (THIS) have the flexibility to make use of tablets and laptops to access a patient record. While many THIS systems use a thin client infrastructure, they still have the flexibility to allow laptops and various mobile devices to be used in a safe and functional manner to access and enter patient information via WIFI etc.
Other reasons why the concept of bring your own device has become more popular, (albeit it slowly) include the cost savings of not providing hospital-issued devices. Owners look after and care more for their own devices eliminating careless damage and costs. A major issue that is very relevant under the current COVID19 situation is infection control as only one person is using a device. With infection control being a major issue with the latest COVID19 pandemic should have seen a massive increase in the fast tracking and facilitating of this type of technology but it has been remarkably quiet. A good reason to fast-track the technology is the many temporary facilities being erected and the shortage of all types of devices including Healthcare IT. Compounding the issue further is the massive costs of procuring thousands of devices on a temporary basis for entering and accessing patients records in dealing with the pandemic in overflow and permanent facilities.
While a top concern for hospitals and healthcare facilities regarding personal device usage is data security in a modern-day environment it is a standard as with banking to have approved apps and security protocols. These protocols interrogate a device when connected to ensure security risks are addressed and allow devices to be operated in a safe manner.
I will not go into the many advantages of bring your own device from a security aspect taking into consideration the high levels available on modern devices except to say I am very interested as to why I have not seen more articles and discussion around this type of technology being implemented to support the drive to deal with COVID19 pandemic.
I am going to generate some additional articles in the near future on BOYD if I get a favorable response on the subject.