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June 24, 2024
Cyberattack led to harrowing lapses at Ascension hospitals, clinicians say
npr.org
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Contributed by: Drex DeFord
Summary
A ransomware attack on Ascension, one of the largest health care systems in the U.S., severely disrupted patient care by locking clinicians out of critical electronic health systems. Nurses and doctors reported numerous lapses, including medication errors and delayed lab results, due to the abrupt shift from electronic to manual systems. While the health system claimed readiness for such disruptions, many staff members noted a lack of adequate training for extended downtime. The attack underscores the health sector's vulnerability to cyberattacks and the need for improved cybersecurity measures, as highlighted by recent government recommendations to bolster security standards in health care.
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