AvaSure's recent "Virtual Care Insight Survey" reveals that while only 10% of hospital leaders have fully integrated virtual nursing into their operations, 74% believe it will be essential in acute care in the future, up from 66% last year. The study, which surveyed over 1,000 healthcare professionals, highlights challenges such as a nursing shortage and financial constraints that hinder broader adoption. Despite these obstacles, hospitals are beginning to implement virtual nursing initiatives, often starting with virtual sitting to improve patient safety through remote monitoring.

Hospital Leaders Embrace Virtual Nursing's Future Amid Adoption Challenges Healthcare IT News

Apple has reached a $95 million settlement in a class action lawsuit that accused the company of violating privacy laws by allowing its Siri voice assistant to record private conversations and share them with third parties without user consent. The lawsuit, initiated by plaintiffs who argued that this practice led to targeted advertising based on sensitive discussions, alleged breaches of the federal Wiretap Act and California's Invasion of Privacy Act. Under the settlement, affected U.S. users of Siri-enabled devices can claim up to $20 per device for a maximum of five devices, while the plaintiffs may receive up to $10,000 each. Additionally, Apple will delete all Siri audio recordings obtained in violation of privacy laws within six months of finalizing the settlement.

Apple Settles Siri Privacy Lawsuit for $95 Million Amid Recording Controversy BleepingComputer

Mayo Clinic's hospital-at-home program is experiencing steady growth, currently catering to 30 to 35 patients daily, yet it struggles with disjointed care delivery. Dr. Michael Maniaci, the chief clinical officer, compares the current situation to an uncoordinated rideshare experience, highlighting the need for a cohesive platform to manage staffing, supplies, and technology. While the organization has the right patient base and protocols, inefficiencies in care administration, particularly in Florida, limit potential expansion. To enhance coordination and increase patient capacity, Dr. Maniaci advocates for a comprehensive technological solution. The program has also started offering chemotherapy infusions and urgent care for chronically ill patients, with plans for further service development.

Mayo Clinic's Hospital-at-Home Program Seeks Tech Solutions for Growth Becker's Hospital Review

The HHS Office for Civil Rights has proposed new measures to enhance cybersecurity in the healthcare sector under HIPAA, addressing the rising incidence of cyberattacks on healthcare organizations. The initiative aims to implement strategies that improve risk assessments, bolster incident response capabilities, and promote advanced security technologies. It also emphasizes the need for training healthcare workers in cybersecurity best practices to reduce risks associated with human error. This comprehensive approach is intended to better protect sensitive patient information and fortify the overall security framework in healthcare.

HHS Proposes New Cybersecurity Measures to Protect Healthcare Data HHS