Cyber Disaster

Cyber disasters, particularly cyberattacks targeting healthcare systems, pose significant threats to patient safety and healthcare delivery. Research in this domain focuses on understanding the impacts of such attacks and developing strategies to enhance the resilience of medical facilities.

Impacts of Cyber Disasters on Healthcare:

• Operational Disruptions: Cyberattacks can severely disrupt hospital operations, leading to delays or cancellations of medical procedures. For instance, a ransomware attack on Synnovis, a UK-based NHS laboratory services provider, resulted in substantial operational challenges and financial losses. 
• Patient Safety Risks: Attacks compromising medical devices or health information systems can directly threaten patient safety. The Joint Commission emphasizes the importance of preserving patient safety following cyber incidents, highlighting the need for effective response strategies. 

Key Research Areas:

1. Preparedness and Response Planning:
   • A national survey revealed that while many hospitals recognize cybersecurity as a high-priority hazard, over half did not specifically address it in their Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs). 
2. Impact on Emergency Services:
   • Studies have shown that cyberattacks on healthcare systems can lead to increased patient volumes and operational strain in adjacent, unaffected emergency departments, indicating a regional ripple effect. 
3. Cybersecurity Training and Simulation:
   • Implementing high-fidelity simulations and training programs for healthcare professionals is crucial to prepare for potential cyber incidents, ensuring effective response and continuity of care. 

Ongoing research in cyber disaster medicine aims to develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of cyberattacks, ensuring healthcare systems can maintain operations and safeguard patient well-being during and after such incidents.

Faculty - Healthcare Core

• Christian Dameff, MD
• Jeff Tully, MD
• Nathan Yung, MD
• Laura Stephens, MD
• Isabel Straw, BMBS, MD

Students/Fellows

• Eileen Kim, MD
• Nico Kahl, MD
• Zach Pope, MD
• Marshall Frieden, MD