In a recent episode of the InteropNow! podcast, Kathryn Ayers Wickenhauser, Chief Strategy Officer, joins Sandy Vance for an insightful conversation on the critical role DirectTrust plays in establishing and maintaining trust in healthcare through secure communication, accreditation, and standards development.
Kathryn begins the interview by explaining that maintaining and supporting both the Direct Standard® and network that enable Direct Secure Messaging remains one our core functions, the organization’s services do encompass a broader spectrum. This includes offering the DirectTrust Aggregated Directory of Healthcare Providers and Services which facilitates the secure exchange of information between verified healthcare entities. This Directory, now featuring over 1.3 million addresses, is continually updated to maintain accuracy and relevance.
The conversation then moves on to our accreditation services which, as Kathryn notes, are a testament to our commitment to upholding high standards in healthcare technology. She explains to listeners that our accreditation offerings assess and certify organizations across various domains, from e-Prescribing and UDAP to Emergency Preparedness and Health App, ensuring these entities adhere to the necessary privacy and security standards. Kathryn emphasizes how the accreditation process, bolstered by experienced assessors, provides organizations with the confidence to operate within the complex regulatory landscape of healthcare. This is also an example of how we continue to instill trust in the healthcare ecosystem.
Integration and Compliance: A Seamless Experience
One of the key points Kathryn discusses with Sandy during the interview was the seamless integration of Direct Secure Messaging into healthcare providers’ workflows. Kathryn emphasizes that our goal is to “make interoperability easy and intuitive, often so seamlessly integrated that users may not even realize they’re using Direct.” This ease of use is crucial in ensuring widespread adoption and adherence to secure communication practices.
The conversation goes on to explore how DirectTrust plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. With over 20 accreditation programs, we continually update our program criteria to reflect evolving standards, particularly in the rapidly changing field of cybersecurity. We believe this responsiveness ensures that accredited organizations remain at the forefront of industry best practices.
Looking Ahead to The Future of Trust in Healthcare
With September on the horizon, Kathryn discusses our upcoming annual conference, scheduled for September 22-25 in St. Louis. This year’s theme, “The Future of Trust in Health,” will explore trust from multiple angles, including interoperability, cybersecurity, compliance, and emerging technologies. The conference aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, from providers and payers to technology providers, fostering a collaborative environment for addressing the challenges and opportunities in healthcare.
Join the Conversation
Kathryn concludes by inviting organizations interested in secure health communication, identity proofing, and cybersecurity to engage with DirectTrust. She teases news of our new Cybersecurity Workgroup as a platform for collaboration and information sharing, encouraging like-minded entities to get involved.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the importance of building and maintaining trust cannot be overstated. Our ongoing efforts in this space are not only crucial for compliance and security but also for fostering a more connected and transparent healthcare ecosystem.