Page 40 - 2024 - Q2 - Minerva in Focus

MINERVA IN FOCUS Health Matters

The benefits of digital it can be used can reduce travel
health tech... anytime, anywhere resulting in benefits
to the environment

can reach more people is often cheaper can empower people to
than face-to-face care manage their own conditions

Strong data sharing, security, requires an urgent appendectomy, the vessel will
need to deviate to the closest port for the patient
and confidentiality are the to receive care.
Port authorities all around the world reserve the right
challenges to be addressed to request patient data pertaining to crew, even when
in this new reality there is no medical need. For instance, during the
COVID-19 pandemic, the crew had to submit proof
of vaccination, temperature, antigen testing, and
reporting of any symptoms onboard. Even today,
Maritime health is a unique setting where the digi- after the pandemic, port authorities regularly request
talisation of medicine is a necessity. Crew onboard health information from the crew of incoming vessels.
a vessel is in a remote environment without onsite Given the current trend towards the digitalisation of
access to medical providers. Thus, they rely heavily healthcare, we must find solutions that ensure data
on technology for remote medical assistance. Pro- protection in its dissemination and storage, while
active monitoring of chronic conditions is invaluable, allowing for the flexible exchange of information,
as there is not always immediate access to medical required for access to medical care.
care in the event of an emergency. The use of technology must enhance the exchange
Due to the remote setting, all medical records are of information in a global setting, across medical
in fact paperless and digital, as there is no alterna- providers, irrespective of the electronic platforms that
tive. However, digitalisation in healthcare has also they may use individually. Also, we should note that
raised the issue of securing personal health data and medical care for seafarers requires the participation
ensuring a safe environment for its storage, under of non-medical third parties which may be neces-
HIPAA or GDPR requirements. This will need to be sary in obtaining port authorisation, coordinating
defined in a manner which reflects the needs of the transportation, and booking airline tickets. These
industry while ensuring the safety and well-being of players must also receive the information necessary
the crew onboard. Strong data sharing, security and to perform their individual roles in patient care. Thus,
confidentiality are the challenges to be addressed there is a need to bring together a broad spectrum
in this new reality. of entities.
Multiple parties onboard and ashore must be kept Traditionally, the maritime industry has been a trail-
up to date on all health matters concerning the crew. blazer and problem-solving industry. It is poised
The “office setting” must follow the patient when to achieve this once more in the digital age of
there is a medical need. For instance, if a seafarer healthcare.

38 ISSUE 28 / Q2 2024