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GLP-1 Drugs Set to Revolutionize Healthcare in 2025

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Ozempic, which contains the GLP-1 drug semaglutide, was originally thought to be solely a treatment for type 2 diabetes.

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Once regarded as exclusive weight-loss solutions for the affluent, medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic are set to expand their impact in 2025. Now approved in the United States for kidney and cardiovascular diseases, Ozempic’s role extends far beyond obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment. This year has witnessed a significant surge in evidence indicating that these medications could revolutionize nearly every facet of medicine.

Emerging findings suggest that the drug, which simulates the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), offers benefits beyond managing diabetes and obesity. A study in 2024 indicated its potential in decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, alleviating depression and anxiety, and even slowing cognitive decline.

Initially, it was believed that these effects stemmed from weight loss, given the strong correlation between obesity and various health issues. However, by early 2025, it became evident that additional benefits were at play. Subsequent studies demonstrated that individuals experienced health improvements regardless of their weight loss outcomes.

Researchers are uncovering the mechanisms through which GLP-1 medications operate across various pathways, including those related to inflammation. These drugs seem to influence metabolism and neural circuits that regulate motivation, reward, and mood, potentially elucidating their unexpected advantages against alcoholism and depression.

Until recently, much of the evidence relied on animal studies and observational data. However, 2025 has seen a surge in large-scale randomized trials assessing the broader impacts of these medications.

In January, findings revealed that diabetic patients taking GLP-1 medications in conjunction with standard treatments faced a reduced risk of 42 diseases, including dementia and muscle pain, compared to those receiving only standard care. Nevertheless, it wasn’t all positive, as an increased risk for 19 conditions, such as kidney stones, was also noted, though overall advantages eclipsed the downsides.

Last year’s noteworthy findings predominantly involved cognitive health. The suggested connection between GLP-1 medications and diminished addictive behaviors gained credence from the first randomized clinical trial to investigate this hypothesis directly.

In a nine-week study involving 48 individuals with alcohol use disorder, those administered Ozempic and Wegovy’s semaglutide exhibited reduced alcohol consumption and craving frequencies compared to the placebo group. “We are thrilled about the advancements we are witnessing,” states Tony Goldstone from Imperial College London. “Few medications exist for treating addiction, and [GLP-1 drugs] are recognized as sufficiently safe due to prior approvals for other ailments.”

Moreover, additional cognitive benefits have come to light this year. In April, a meta-analysis encompassing 26 clinical trials with over 160,000 participants found that GLP-1 drugs significantly diminished the risk for all dementia types. This followed another trial conducted by Paul Edison, also from Imperial College London. The research discovered that a year of treatment with the GLP-1 drug liraglutide, found in Saxenda and Nevolat, resulted in a 50% reduction in brain shrinkage and an 18% slower cognitive decline when compared to a placebo.

Edison theorizes that Alzheimer’s isn’t caused by a singular factor but is the outcome of multiple pathological processes. He posits that GLP-1 drugs influence several of these processes, potentially safeguarding neurons through kinase pathways critical for cellular stress responses, while enhancing insulin sensitivity and mitigating inflammation.

The favorable news continued to unfold. In late April, the GLP-1 drug became the first pharmaceutical treatment to demonstrate distinct benefits for individuals with severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition characterized by fat accumulation that can lead to inflammation, scarring, cirrhosis, and cancer.

Aging concerns are also under scrutiny. A small trial evaluating individuals with HIV-related aging complications found that participants receiving Ozempic injections for 32 weeks exhibited an average biological age reduction of 3.1 years by the end of the study, while no changes were noted in the placebo group.

Varun Dwaraka, from TruDiagnostic in Lexington, Kentucky, which participated in the study, emphasizes that these effects aren’t merely a result of weight loss. “While weight loss is part of biological aging, initial evidence and our understanding of GLP-1 biology imply that there exists an independent layer of metabolic enhancement leading to improvements in biological age,” he indicates.

The momentum shows no signs of waning. By year’s end, studies emerged linking GLP-1 medications to alleviating symptoms of age-related cataracts, psoriasis, and even enhanced stem cell regeneration supporting vital immunity.

This versatile class of drugs is expected to unveil more discoveries in 2026, as researchers delve into how a single treatment can influence such a wide array of conditions and delineate its limitations. As Goldstone aptly noted, despite the pressing need for expansive long-term trials, “we’re heading in the right direction.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Skip the Wait: Progress in Women’s Healthcare is Here

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When contraceptives were first introduced in the United States, women were not cautioned about potential side effects such as heart attacks or blood clots. It wasn’t until about a decade later that significant action was taken. In her 1969 book Physician’s Case of Medication, journalist and activist Barbara Seaman compiled testimonials from women who had suffered these symptoms for years. Her advocacy led to a Senate hearing on drug safety, which resulted in the inclusion of critical information regarding lower dosage and side effects.

This was not an isolated delay in addressing women’s voices, particularly regarding medications. Despite substantial anecdotal evidence from users, large trials connecting drugs to another side effect—depression—did not emerge until the 2010s linking studies began to surface.

The same can be said for individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, where 80% of those affected are women. Despite overwhelming testimony regarding debilitating consequences, research on this condition has been limited over the years in similar contexts (long-standing community) – leading to loss of funding.

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When thousands of individuals express similar concerns regarding their health, we must heed their voices.
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This week’s 36-page feature article highlights recent developments. For decades, women suffering from endometriosis—a painful gynecological disorder—have also reported issues resembling autoimmune diseases. Significant correlations have only been explored in research over the last few years after thorough investigations. Just this year, a comprehensive analysis revealed a shared genetic pathway between these two conditions, paving the way for potential new therapies.

Why has progress been so slow? Insufficient funding for women’s health and the stigma surrounding women’s anatomy play significant roles. However, it’s crucial to recognize the attention given to women’s concerns and the lack of validation they often receive. When countless individuals articulate similar experiences regarding their health, we must proceed with caution. While robust data is required for specific medical recommendations and safe treatments, we could make faster strides by listening to experiential accounts, especially those of women.

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  • Healthcare

Source: www.newscientist.com

HHS Reinstates Hundreds of Healthcare Workers

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On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services reinstated 328 federal employees who were at risk of termination, including those working on coal miners’ “black lung” disease evaluations and those addressing health concerns for 9/11 first responders.

These reinstated employees are affiliated with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dedicated to preventing and managing work-related health issues.

The Trump administration had previously aimed to eliminate a significant portion of NIOSH’s 1,300+ staff as part of a broader initiative to downsize the federal workforce.

In April and May, numerous NIOSH employees received termination letters, although some were temporarily reassigned for specific tasks. A memo from NBC News indicated that HHS’s acting chief human resources officer, Tom Nagy, informed staff on Tuesday about the revocation of those termination notices.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies Wednesday in Washington.
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During a House budget hearing on Wednesday morning, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed that 328 NIOSH employees had been reinstated. Approximately one-third of these employees are based in Morgantown, West Virginia, with another third located in Cincinnati where NIOSH has two facilities.

“Committee Kennedy has worked diligently to preserve key components of NIOSH,” stated a CDC spokesperson. “The Trump administration remains committed to supporting coal miners and firefighters, and under the Secretary’s leadership, NIOSH’s essential services will continue as HHS streamlines its operations. Ensuring workforce health and safety is a paramount concern for the department.”

The Morgantown facility houses the NIOSH Respiratory Hygiene Department, which manages programs that offer free x-rays to detect miners’ “black lungs” or lung damage caused by prolonged exposure to coal dust. A U.S. District Judge in West Virginia mandated HHS on Tuesday to restore the department and continue monitoring coal miners’ health. Representative Riley Moore, R-W.Va., noted during a House Budget hearing that 111 NIOSH employees in Morgantown were reinstated this week.

Among the 328 reinstatements, HHS has also brought back 15 employees within the World Trade Center Health Program, which addresses the treatment of cancer, asthma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other illnesses linked to 9/11. The program has faced challenges in recent months due to staff layoffs and rehiring, complicating the registration of members and the assurance that their treatments are funded by federal resources.

“Our agents were faced with severe budget cuts, some of which should not have been enforced.

The program resumed processing registrations on May 1, as indicated by an internal email shared with NBC News regarding an extension of the James Zadroga Act, an advocacy group for 9/11 responders and survivors. Benjamin Shebat, the group’s executive director, is seeking more assurance.

“In light of the recent turbulent months, we need a public guarantee from our secretary that such disruptions will not occur again, and that the World Trade Center’s health program will remain unaffected,” Chevat expressed in an email.

In an agency email acquired by NBC News, NIOSH director John Howard mentioned that some positions within the institute are still being eliminated.

“We celebrate those who received reinstatement letters from HHS, while remembering that others have not,” Howard wrote. “I hope we can continue pushing for the return of everyone to NIOSH.”

Howard received his own termination notice in early April but later resumed his role. Bipartisan opposition from Congress members was voiced regarding his dismissal. An internal report of reinstated positions obtained by NBC News indicated that 56 roles in the NIOSH Director’s office were reinstated on Tuesday.

The original NIOSH layoffs were part of a large-scale restructuring intended to consolidate institutions into a new entity referred to as a healthy American administration. Kennedy mentioned on Wednesday morning that he could not share details of the restructuring due to a court order, which temporarily restricts further planning. A U.S. District Judge in San Francisco ordered the Trump administration last week to suspend the government overhaul, noting that any changes may require Congressional approval.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Dr. Oz alleviates senators’ worries, backing refusal of transgender healthcare

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Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican; On Monday, he said he decided to support him. Dr. Oz’s appointment to lead Medicare and Medicaid because Dr. Oz said he didn’t support transgender care for minors and was “clearly pro-life.”

The Senate plans to vote for Dr. Oz’s appointment later this month to become the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Holy had spoken out about withholding support for Dr. Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon who has become a daytime television celebrity, concerns about his previous position in transgender care and abortion laws in certain states. Dr. Oz featured the segment on a television program on transgender care, raising the possibility of dissenting previously proposed state law banning abortions based on fetal heartbeat.

In response to Mr. Holly’s written questions, Dr. Oz assured the Senator that he “denies previous support for trans-snary and drugs for minor children.” Posted on x, Social media site. He added, “We’ve come back after overcoming criticism of the state’s pro-life law.” Dr. Oz “works to end funding for abortion providers,” Holly said.

Mr Holy’s opposition may have put Dr. Oz’s confirmation at stake given that Democrats appear likely to vote against him along the party line. CMS is a $1.5 trillion institution responsible for providing healthcare coverage to almost half of Americans.

Last month, Holly managed to expel new Food and Drug Administration chief counsel, Hilary Perkins, for his job as a Biden administration lawyer who claimed to be defending the availability of abortion drugs. She is an anti-abortion conservative.

A spokesman for Dr. Oz did not reply to requests for comment.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Gallup Poll Shows Increasing Number of Americans Unable to Afford Healthcare

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The high cost of living in America not only drives up egg prices and housing costs but also contributes to the unhappiness of its citizens. The affordability of healthcare remains a major concern for millions of people. A recent investigation published on Wednesday sheds light on the challenges many individuals face in affording doctor visits and prescription medications, even before discussions about reducing government aid.

According to the survey, 11% of respondents reported being unable to afford necessary medication and care in the past three months, marking the highest level in the four years of the survey. More than a third of those surveyed, approximately 91 million adults, stated they would be unable to pay for medical care if needed.

The survey, conducted by Western Health and Gallup from mid-November to late December 2024, revealed a widening disparity between black and Hispanic adults and individuals with lower incomes. A quarter of respondents earning annual household incomes under $24,000 expressed inability to afford care in the past three months.

“The extent to which this issue is magnified highlights the vulnerability of these particular groups,” noted Dan Witters, a senior researcher at Gallup.

While white adults and high-income earners reported no significant change in their ability to afford care, the rising premiums, additional physician costs, and recent reductions in Medicaid coverage all contribute to the financial burden on individuals. The Trump administration and Republican lawmakers’ arguments about repealing Medicaid cuts and tax reductions under the Obamacare plan could further exacerbate the issue, experts warn.

“This puts additional strain on already burdened systems and leads to financial toxicity,” stated Tim Rush, president of the West Health Policy Center. Many families are already grappling with medical debt. Rush emphasized that avoiding necessary care due to financial constraints could result in severe health consequences or even death.

Sarah R. Collins, vice president of healthcare coverage and access at the Nonprofit Commonwealth Fund, pointed out that even with insurance, many individuals lack sufficient coverage to meet their healthcare expenses. She warned that proposed cuts by Republican lawmakers and the Trump administration could lead to a rise in the number of people unable to afford care.

Collins remarked, “We’re regressing to pre-Affordable Care Act levels.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Optimal AI Implementation Can Enhance Healthcare and Save Lives

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Physicians as a whole are a very smart group, but they can be resistant to change. The most famous example is probably the 19th century surgeon who refused to wash his hands when going from the mortuary to the delivery room, spreading undiscovered microorganisms that led to the infant's death. Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis collected statistics to argue that soap and water can save lives, but was ridiculed and ostracized.

Today, we live in more enlightened times and medical practices are generally supported by evidence, but do we always have the right evidence to make changes? For example, do we always have the right evidence to make changes? There are also indications that bringing it into clinical practice could save lives. As we report in “AI Helps Radiologists Detect Breast Cancer During Physical Exams,” radiologists who choose to use image classification AI to help detect breast cancer are detected one extra case per 1,000 people. Across the health system, the impact can be significant.

Does that mean we should encourage doctors to ditch the scrubs and let the machines do it? Far from it. AI systems with large language models like ChatGPT can pass multiple-choice medical tests, but do poorly at conversational diagnosis (see “AI Chatbot Fails Conversational Diagnosis of Patients”). ). Physicians with a good bedside manner and a listening ear remain essential for now.

We should be bolder when testing medical AI systems in real-world settings

Instead, there are two conclusions that can be drawn from these studies. The first is that we need to be careful in using the general term “artificial intelligence.” Although the two systems we report share underlying neural network technology, image classification is a completely different task than text generation, and the latter risks the AI ​​spitting out plausible but inaccurate results. much higher. In other words, not all AIs are created equal.

The second conclusion is that we need to be more bold in testing medical AI systems in real-world settings, not just in the lab or in simulations. The breast cancer study showed that AI can be a useful tool, giving radiologists control over when to use it. This effort to obtain more evidence could save lives, as it did for Semmelweis, who is now considered a medical hero.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Brain implants for treatment of epilepsy, arthritis, and incontinence: A closer reality than you think | Healthcare

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ohRan Knowles, a British teenager with a severe form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, became the first person to try the new brain implant last October, with astonishing results: his daytime seizures reduced by 80 percent.

“The device has had a huge impact on my son's life as he no longer falls and injures himself like he used to,” said his mother, a consultant paediatric neurosurgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London (Gosh), who implanted the device. She added that there has been a huge improvement in her son's quality of life as well as his cognitive abilities. He is more alert and outgoing.”

Oran's neurostimulator is implanted under the skull and sends constant electrical signals deep into the brain with the aim of blocking the abnormal impulses that cause seizures. The implant, called Picostim, is about the size of a cell phone battery, is charged through headphones and works differently during the day and at night.

“The device has the ability to record from the brain, to measure brain activity, and we can use that information to think about how to improve the effectiveness of the stimulation that children are receiving,” says Tisdall. “What we'd really like to do is to make this treatment available on the NHS.”

As part of the trial, three children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome will be fitted with the implant in the coming weeks, with a full trial planned for 22 children early next year. If the trial is successful, academic sponsors Ghosh and University College London plan to apply for regulatory approval.

Tim Denison, a professor of engineering science at the University of Oxford and co-founder and chief engineer at Amber Therapeutics, a London-based company that developed the implant in collaboration with the university, hopes that the device will be available on the NHS and around the world within the next four to five years.

The technology is one of a number of neural implants being developed to treat a range of conditions, including brain tumors, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, incontinence and tinnitus. These devices are more sophisticated than traditional implants in that they not only decode the brain's electrical activity but also control it, and this is where Europe is racing against the US to develop life-changing technology.

The latest generation of brain implants can not only detect brain activity but also control it. Photo: UCL

Amber isn't the only company working on brain implants to treat epilepsy. California-based Neuropace has developed a device that responds to abnormal brain activity and has been cleared by US regulators for use by people aged 18 and over. But the battery is not rechargeable and must be surgically replaced after a few years. Other devices are implanted in the chest with wires running to the brain that must be reinserted as the child grows.

When most people think of brain chips, they think of Neuralink, another California-based startup from Elon Musk that just implanted a brain chip in a second patient with a spinal cord injury. The device uses tiny wires thinner than a human hair to capture signals from the brain and translate them into actions.

The first recipient, Noland Arbaugh, was in January and is paralyzed from the neck down. Some of the wires had shifted and the implant needed to be adjusted. The implant allows Arbaugh to control a mouse cursor on a computer screen with his mind, as if he were watching a movie. Star Wars A Jedi who “uses the Force.”

Other US companies, such as Syncron, backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, have also recently implanted brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in people who cannot move or speak.

But scientists say these implants simply decode electrical signals. In contrast, a number of companies in the U.S., Britain and Europe, like Amber, are working on so-called “BCI therapy,” or modulating signals in deep brain stimulation to treat disease. Amber's implants are also being used in academic trials for Parkinson's disease, chronic pain and multiple system atrophy, a condition that gradually damages nerve cells in the brain. The company is also sponsoring an early trial in Belgium to treat incontinence, with promising results.

Professor Martin Tisdall led the team that gave Oran Noorsson, who suffers from severe epilepsy, the implant last October. Photo: UCL

A different kind of technology will be tested in humans in clinical trials starting in a few weeks, using the first brain implant made from graphene, a “miracle material” discovered 20 years ago at the University of Manchester.

Medical teams at Salford Royal Infirmary will implant a device with 64 graphene electrodes into the brains of patients with glioblastoma, a fast-growing form of brain cancer. The device will stimulate and read neural activity with high precision, to spare other parts of the brain while removing the cancer. The implant will be removed after surgery.

“We use this interface to map out where the glioblastoma is and then remove it. [cut it out] “Without affecting areas of function such as language or cognition,” says Carolina Aguilar, co-founder and CEO of InBrain Neuroelectronics, the Barcelona-based company that developed the implant in collaboration with the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and the University of Manchester.

Traditionally, platinum and iridium have been used in implants, but graphene, made from carbon, is ultra-thin, harmless to human tissue, and can be decoded and modulated very selectively.

InBrain plans to conduct clinical trials of similar artificial intelligence-powered implants in people with speech disorders caused by Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and stroke.

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Professor Costas Kostarellos, head of nanomedicine at the University of Manchester, co-founder of InBrain and principal investigator on the glioblastoma trial, says the company's goal is to “develop more intelligent implantable systems”.

Equipped with AI, the device, with 1,024 electrical contacts, “will help provide optimal treatment for each patient without the neurologist having to program all those contacts individually, as they do today,” he says.

InBrain has partnered with German pharmaceutical company Merck to use its graphene device to stimulate the vagus nerve, which controls many bodily functions including digestion, heart rate and breathing, to treat severe chronic inflammatory, metabolic and endocrine diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Galvani Bioelectronics, founded in 2016 by the UK's second-largest pharmaceutical company GSK and Alphabet's Verily Life Sciences, has a pioneering treatment that treats rheumatoid arthritis by stimulating the splenic nerve. Galvani has begun clinical trials with patients in the UK, US and the Netherlands, with first results expected within the next 6-12 months.

Bioelectronics, which combines biological sciences and electrical engineering, is a market worth $8.7 billion today and is predicted to reach more than $20 billion (£15 billion) by 2031. According to Verified Market Research:The field focuses on the peripheral nervous system, which transmits signals from the brain to organs and from organs to the brain. When brain-focused neuromodulation and BCIs are added, Aguilar believes the overall market could be worth more than $25 billion.

While U.S. neuromodulation companies are making waves with devices targeting chronic pain and sleep apnea, a growing number of European startups are also working on the technology. MintNeuro, a spinout from Imperial College London, Working on developing next-generation chips The company is developing an implant that can be combined into a smaller implant and has partnered with Amber. With the support of an Innovate UK grant, its first project will be to develop an implant to treat mixed urinary incontinence.

Geneva-based Neurosoft has developed a device that uses a thin metal film attached to stretchy silicon – soft enough to put less pressure on the brain and blood vessels – to target severe tinnitus, which affects 120 million people worldwide.

“Tinnitus begins with ear damage, typically caused by loud noise, but it can also cause changes in the wiring of the brain, making it effectively a neurological disorder,” said Nicholas Batsikouras, the company's chief executive officer.

Founded in 2009 by 13 neurosurgeons, neurologists, engineers and other scientists from the Policlinico Research Center and the University of Milan, Neuronica has developed a rechargeable deep brain neurostimulator that can be used to treat Parkinson's disease. The device provides closed-loop stimulation and adapts moment-to-moment to the patient's condition, and is currently being tested on patients.

“Europe and the UK can compete head-to-head with the US when it comes to getting treatments onto the NHS and distributing them around the world,” Denison said. “It's a fair competition and we're going to give it our all.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Technology: Can AI truly be the solution to our ailing healthcare system?

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What if AI isn’t as great as we thought? What if its potential has been exaggerated to the point of being dangerous? Leading cancer experts in the NHS are raising concerns that the health service’s excessive focus on new technology is jeopardizing patient safety. As reported in our recent article:


Cancer experts warn that “innovative solutions” like new diagnostic tests are being falsely hailed as a “magic bullet” for the cancer crisis, but fail to address the root cause of cancer as a systemic issue.

The authors note that a common misconception among NHS leaders is that new technologies can eliminate inequalities, when in reality, technologies like AI can create additional hurdles for those with low digital and health literacy.

“We advise against adopting a technology-centric approach without a thorough evaluation of equity,” concludes the paper.

The Lancet Oncology publication argues for a back-to-basics strategy for cancer treatment. Their suggestions include increasing staff numbers, refocusing research on traditional areas such as surgery and radiation therapy, and establishing dedicated units for technology transfer to ensure proven treatments are integrated into routine care.

AI may divert attention from these critical improvements. While the technology holds much promise for the future, experts are concerned that hype about future advancements may detract from necessary present-day changes.

The paper describes AI as the latest iteration of “bionic duckweed,” a concept introduced by Stian Westlake in 2020 to highlight the use of future technologies to oppose current investments.
(Read More)

Source: www.theguardian.com

How to Safeguard the Most Vulnerable in Digital Healthcare

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from AI algorithm to detect early cancer“Doctor in your pocket” Video consultation on smartphoneNext-generation healthcare technologies are being announced one after another at a rapid pace.

For example, as recently announced in the UK, users of the NHS app will now be able to collect medicines from pharmacies without having to visit a medical centre, and the usual paper slip given by a doctor will now be replaced by a barcode within the app. will be replaced by

Innovations like these have brought tremendous benefits to millions of patients. However, these benefits of digitalization are not evenly distributed. According to his Ofcom report in 2023: 1 in 13 households do not have access to the internet And a similar proportion do not have a computer at home. But even within connected households, the so-called ‘digital skills gap’ means many people may still struggle.

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Imagine this typical case. Dorothy and Bill are retired factory workers in their mid-70s. They have their home computer connected to their TV and have a machine that allows them to (almost) send e-mails to their daughter who lives abroad.

It’s hard to use, but I love watching my family’s news come through the TV screen. However, I don’t use my computer much for other purposes because websites take a long time to load. Bill has a smartphone and receives photos of his grandchildren through an instant messenger app, but he doesn’t know how to send them back.

Prompted by a text message from their doctor, the couple confirms they have internet access and enters their email address. A few weeks later, I received a message inviting Bill for his annual checkup and treatment for shingles. However, subject lines are unclear and long messages are impersonal and difficult to understand.

The couple had only ever received emails from their daughter, so they thought the message from their doctor was spam and deleted it. As a result, Bill neglected medical checkups, ran out of blood pressure medication, and was left susceptible to shingles.

digital skills gap

The problem is that entry-level home computing is primarily designed for basic gaming and simple email exchange, and it’s not easy to interact with data-intensive web platforms or send high-resolution images of body parts. It is not intended for this purpose. The same goes for budget-level data bundles offered by mobile phone providers.

For people like Dorothy and Bill to navigate the digital health space, they need not only better technology, but also technical skills to interact with technology, such as comfortable typing, using a mouse, and navigating drop-down menus. Skills are also required.

Also important is “information literacy.” This is the ability to recognize when information is needed (such as an old address or login code) and how to provide it. Second, health literacy, or the ability to find, understand, and use health information and online health services.

Generally, individuals are either digitally equipped, technologically proficient, information literate, and health literate, or they simply are not. There is very little in between. And as A major analysis from the University of Oxford found that, the more indicators a person has of a disadvantage (low income, older age, preference for a language other than English, to name a few), the harder it is to access digital services. Several of these factors combine to make it even less likely that these disadvantaged patients will be able to connect to health services through digital means.

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Unfortunately, such inequalities are nothing new. In fact, it was 53 years ago that British physician Julian Tudor Hart first proposed the Reverse Care Act, a principle that was developed to protect people who need health care the most: the poor, the less educated, It was argued that people (older people and people with frequent illnesses) are healthier. It is the least likely that you will receive it. There is no easy solution to the “digital reverse care” method. A person who lacks the necessary digital skills may be willing to go to the local library for computer training, but with an empty bucket he can safely “replenish” the complex skills he has missed. You shouldn’t think about it.

What is the solution?

What should NHS organizations do to ensure everyone gets a fair contract in today’s digital world?

First, digitally supported services should be designed or improved primarily for patients who have difficulty accessing them. A service that works for someone who is not familiar with or unable to use a computer or smartphone will almost certainly work for someone else. “Digital navigators” – human staff who can help patients find directions about services if needed – can be a big help here.

Second, healthcare providers need to look beyond the binary when assessing people’s digital connectivity and skills. Instead of asking patients if they have an internet connection, you should ask them to describe what they are actually comfortable doing with technology and customize their care package accordingly.

Third, for the most disadvantaged patients, those with complex health and social care needs, there is no need to use technology at all, especially when their needs are not adequately met by technology. Keep in mind that your approach may be the most appropriate. technology. For these patients, their records can be marked with electronic flags that remind busy staff to use no technology or provide a technology-free option.

And finally, we need to see digital exclusion first and foremost as a moral issue. NHS founder Nye Bevan said: “No society can legitimately be called civilized if the sick are denied medical assistance because of lack of means.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

McLaren Healthcare discloses ransomware attack resulting in 2.2 million patient data theft

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Michigan-based McLaren Healthcare has confirmed that the sensitive personal and health information of 2.2 million patients was compromised in a cyberattack earlier this year. Later, a ransomware gang took credit for the cyberattack.

in New Data Breach Notification McLaren said in a filing with the Maine attorney general that hackers breached its systems over a three-week period from July 28 to Aug. 23, before the health care company noticed it a week later on Aug. 31. He said that he had done so.

According to McLaren, the hackers accessed a wealth of medical information, including patients’ names, dates of birth, and social security numbers, as well as invoices, billing and diagnostic information, prescription and drug details, and information about diagnostic results and treatments. It is said that he did. Medicare and Medicaid patient information was also collected.

McLaren is a healthcare provider with 13 hospitals in Michigan and approximately 28,000 employees. McLaren, which touts cost-efficiency efforts on its website, made more than $6 billion in revenue in 2022.

News of the incident broke in October when the Alphv ransomware group (also known as BlackCat) claimed responsibility for the cyberattack, claiming that millions of patients’ personal information was stolen. day to day after a cyber attack Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents that the breach “could potentially impact a large number of patients.”

TechCrunch has reviewed several screenshots posted by ransomware gangs on dark web leak sites, which show the company’s password manager, internal financial statements, some employee information, and patient-related information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. Confirmed that it showed access to spreadsheets of personal and health information. , social security number, and diagnostic information.

Alphv/BlackCat claimed in the post that the gang had been in contact with McLaren representatives, but provided no evidence of this.

Contacted via email, McLaren spokesperson David Jones declined to comment beyond the company’s official statement or answer our questions about the incident. A spokesperson declined to say whether the company had received any payment requests or paid the hackers. McLaren’s chief information security officer, George Goble, declined to make him available for an interview.

What McLaren is currently facing is At least 3 class action lawsuits In connection with cyber attacks.

Source: techcrunch.com