Healthcare professionals' perception on emergence of security threat using digital health technologies in healthcare delivery.

Background: The advancement of digital health technologies (DHTs) in the healthcare industry has revolutionized healthcare by improving efficiency and accessibility. The shift from paper-based records to electronic health records (EHRs) as a result of modern technologies introduced various security threats, endangering patient data privacy and system reliability. This study explores intricate security threats among healthcare professionals affecting DHT utilization. Methodology: A structured questionnaire was designed to solicit for data from healthcare professionals on the existence of possible security threats, magnitude of physical and technical threats, and the extent to which the activities of staff and vendors affect the current DHTs being utilized in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and Directorate of University Health Services at the University of Cape Coast. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed to select healthcare professionals from various medical fields, and their views were captured for the study. Results: Findings and data analyzed from the study revealed that technical threats, such as hacking, phishing, malware, and encryption weaknesses, pose more substantial dangers to DHTs compared to physical threats. The study explored viable strategies to prevent unauthorized access to DHTs and safeguard patient information. Encouraging measures, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular security training, and periodic password changes, emerged as promising methods in addressing DHT security threats. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the necessity of robust security measures and regular updates to effectively counter the emerging security threats. It underscores the critical necessity for a comprehensive protocol to enhance DHT security, addressing physical, technical, and personnel-related threats.

Effects of coronavirus pandemic on expanded program on immunization in weija gbawe municipality (Accra-Ghana).

The introduction of Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and the availability of vaccines have contributed to significant reduction in morbidity and mortality rate, particularly among infants and children under five years. The coronavirus pandemic has however interrupted vaccination systems, limiting access and coverage for children. This study assesses the effect of the coronavirus disease outbreak on the EPI activities. The study employed a cross-sectional study design. Purposive and convenience sampling methods were used to sample 510 health workers directly engaged in immunization activities from 15 health care facilities. Coverages for five selected antigens (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Poliomyelitis, Tuberculosis) and Measles in the year 2020 experienced an overall decline ranging from 38.8% for measles rubella vaccine to 53.1% for Penta vaccine. The year 2019 recorded coverages ranging from 69.1% for BCG vaccine to 78.4% for penta vaccine, relatively higher than 2020. EPI services patronization rose up after COVID-19 peaks periods for BCG vaccine 67.7% to 89.2% for penta vaccine. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the delivery of EPI services significantly. Healthcare stakeholders can envisage telehealth services in care delivery against pandemic outbreaks. This study contributes to empirical knowledge by recommending vital predictive factors during a pandemic outbreak.