When Radiology Goes Dark: How Radiologists Can Take the Lead During a Cybersecurity Incident

Radiologists are not typically on the frontlines of cybersecurity in healthcare. However, as the number of cybersecurity incidents increases, Radiologists may find themselves thrust into the position of having to guide their team while their critical radiology systems are offline. Here are tips from a seasoned radiology leader.

Dr. Raj Chopra is the Chief Medical Officer at Merge Merative, a company that offers a wide range of imaging solutions to healthcare organizations. Dr. Chopra spoke to Healthcare IT Today at #RSNA24 about the need for radiology leaders to be prepared to be the “face of the issue” when a cybersecurity incident occurs and how Merge Merative has implemented a playbook to help its customers stay informed during unforeseen downtime.

Key Takeaways

1. Preparedness Is Essential. Developing playbooks for cyber disruptions helps radiologists and their teams respond effectively when systems go offline.
2. Communication Gaps Amplify Issues. A lack of real-time updates during cyberattacks exacerbates frustration and confusion for healthcare teams.
3. Learn from Other Industries. Radiology departments can adopt communication models from utilities and other sectors that keep stakeholders informed during crises.

Radiologist Leadership During a System Outage

“We are the focal point of communication—to patients, clinicians, and even our own staff,” stated Dr. Chopra. In this position, radiologists need to assume more of a leadership role during disruptions to normal operations – even if the disruption is caused by a cybersecurity incident.

According to Dr. Chopra, it is easy for clinical leaders to deflect questions about system downtime when it is caused by something that they are not familiar with or prepared to deal with, like a cybersecurity incident. Dr. Chopra, believes that this approach only serves to raise the anxiety level in the department, making the situation more stressful than it needs to be.

“When an event happens and there is no communication. That lack of information amplifies everyone’s frustration,” Chopra explained.

To address this, Dr. Chopra suggests developing a playbook in collaboration with IT departments and vendors. This playbook should have clear communication protocols for these situations, including what to say, what not to say, and who has the responsibility for keeping clinical leaders informed.

“It’s about having a plan and keeping everyone informed,” he said.

Merge Merative Putting Their Playbook into Practice

Merge Merative is heeding their own advice and implementing their own crisis playbook that was developed together with their internal teams and customers. Their playbook includes clear roles and responsibilities for communication as well as response. The team at Merge Merative has put an emphasis on creating practical workflows for downtime scenarios, fostering collaboration between customers and their internal support/IT teams, and building resilience into their operations.

With this level of preparedness, Merge Merative is aiming to support its customers during a cybersecurity/downtime incident.

Learn more about Merge Merative at https://www.merative.com/merge-imaging

Listen and subscribe to the Healthcare IT Today Interviews Podcast to hear all the latest insights from experts in healthcare IT.

And for an exclusive look at our top stories, subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube.

Tell us what you think. Contact us here or on Twitter at @hcitoday. And if you’re interested in advertising with us, check out our various advertising packages and request our Media Kit.

Radiologists are not typically on the frontlines of cybersecurity in healthcare. However, as the number of cybersecurity incidents increases, Radiologists may find themselves thrust into the position of having to guide their team while their critical radiology systems are offline. Here are tips from a seasoned radiology leader.

Dr. Raj Chopra is the Chief Medical Officer at Merge Merative, a company that offers a wide range of imaging solutions to healthcare organizations. Dr. Chopra spoke to Healthcare IT Today at #RSNA24 about the need for radiology leaders to be prepared to be the “face of the issue” when a cybersecurity incident occurs and how Merge Merative has implemented a playbook to help its customers stay informed during unforeseen downtime.

Key Takeaways

1. Preparedness Is Essential. Developing playbooks for cyber disruptions helps radiologists and their teams respond effectively when systems go offline.
2. Communication Gaps Amplify Issues. A lack of real-time updates during cyberattacks exacerbates frustration and confusion for healthcare teams.
3. Learn from Other Industries. Radiology departments can adopt communication models from utilities and other sectors that keep stakeholders informed during crises.

Radiologist Leadership During a System Outage

“We are the focal point of communication—to patients, clinicians, and even our own staff,” stated Dr. Chopra. In this position, radiologists need to assume more of a leadership role during disruptions to normal operations – even if the disruption is caused by a cybersecurity incident.

According to Dr. Chopra, it is easy for clinical leaders to deflect questions about system downtime when it is caused by something that they are not familiar with or prepared to deal with, like a cybersecurity incident. Dr. Chopra, believes that this approach only serves to raise the anxiety level in the department, making the situation more stressful than it needs to be.

“When an event happens and there is no communication. That lack of information amplifies everyone’s frustration,” Chopra explained.

To address this, Dr. Chopra suggests developing a playbook in collaboration with IT departments and vendors. This playbook should have clear communication protocols for these situations, including what to say, what not to say, and who has the responsibility for keeping clinical leaders informed.

“It’s about having a plan and keeping everyone informed,” he said.

Merge Merative Putting Their Playbook into Practice

Merge Merative is heeding their own advice and implementing their own crisis playbook that was developed together with their internal teams and customers. Their playbook includes clear roles and responsibilities for communication as well as response. The team at Merge Merative has put an emphasis on creating practical workflows for downtime scenarios, fostering collaboration between customers and their internal support/IT teams, and building resilience into their operations.

With this level of preparedness, Merge Merative is aiming to support its customers during a cybersecurity/downtime incident.

Learn more about Merge Merative at https://www.merative.com/merge-imaging

Listen and subscribe to the Healthcare IT Today Interviews Podcast to hear all the latest insights from experts in healthcare IT.

And for an exclusive look at our top stories, subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube.

Tell us what you think. Contact us here or on Twitter at @hcitoday. And if you’re interested in advertising with us, check out our various advertising packages and request our Media Kit.