WORKSHOPS

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CiHS´25 - Cybersecurity in the Health Sector - Threats, Impacts, Legislation and Innovative Technological Solutions to Promote Health and Well-Being

 

This workshop is dedicated to exploring the implementation of technological solutions in the health sector, with a particular focus on cybersecurity, given its relevance to a critical area such as health.

The exponential increase in the application of solutions related to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has contributed significantly to expanding the range of health and well-being services available to the population. This development not only makes new forms of treatment possible, but also decentralizes the provision of services, reaching a wider range of people in a wider geographical area and collecting information not only related to the direct treatment provided in a Health Unit, but can also include information related to the patient's well-being.

Despite these advantages, this decentralization and increase in the number and type of services has also led to an increase in the potential risks involved, given the diversity of collection devices and systems involved.

In fact, due to the significant increase in the number and type of attacks seen in recent years, in the most varied areas of society and on a global scale, security problems are becoming a serious concern for governments, institutions and citizens in general, particularly in sectors where information is as vital as healthcare. In this area, information and services are extremely sensitive and can affect not only the provision of healthcare itself, but also jeopardize the privacy of users themselves.

This workshop is an opportunity to explore innovative technological solutions in the Health and Wellness sector, as well as the potential risks involved, actions being taken, applicable legislation, and the proposal of innovative solutions to reduce the impact of the risks underlying the use of technological solutions.

Keywords: Technological Innovation in Health and Well-being; Cybersecurity; Legislation.

 

Chair: Sandro Carvalho, LIACC, 2Ai, EST-IPCA

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Track 1: Apps and Digital Platforms for the Elderly (Chairs: Rita Estrada, Cátia Vaz, Alberto Rocha, Helena M. Carvalho, Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences, Portugal)

 

Ageing often goes hand in hand with leaving the job market. These two processes are characterized by multiple challenges that trigger complex emotional and cognitive reactions, which can affect the well-being of older people. Feelings of loss of identity, lower self-esteem, social isolation, mild cognitive deficits and even dementia can arise. In this sense, creating apps and digital platforms for older people can help them respond more positively to all those challenges.

 

We welcome proposals on these issues. Possible topics can include (but are by no means limited to):

• Development and use of apps to promote socialization and support among the elderly.

• Digital platforms and social networks specifically for the elderly.

• Good practice guidelines in designing user-friendly interfaces for the elderly.

• Case studies on the impact of digital technologies on the well-being and mental health of the elderly.

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Track 2: Digital Literacy for Healthy Ageing (Chairs: Rita Estrada, Cátia Vaz, Alberto Rocha, Helena M. Carvalho, Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences, Portugal)

 

Digital literacy for healthy ageing responds to Goal 3 of The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024: to guarantee access to quality health and promote well-being for all at all ages. The Report points that not only population is ageing, but also health workforce is ageing, which means that the demand is over passing the offer worldwide. In this context, using digital solutions to increase digital literacy for healthy ageing is a way to respond to that shortage of health workforce. We just need to invest on it in order to attract the elderly to the digital world.

 

We welcome proposals on these issues. Possible topics can include (but are by no means limited to):

• Online training programs to increase digital literacy among older adults.

• Strategies to encourage older adults to use the Internet and social networks.

• Barriers and challenges in the adoption of technologies by older people.

• The role of digital literacy in promoting mental well-being and combating social isolation.

 

Track 3: Digital Communities and Support Networks for Older People (Chairs: Rita Estrada, Cátia Vaz, Alberto Rocha, Helena M. Carvalho, Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences, Portugal)

 

A basic human need is the need to connect. The Harvard Study of Adult Development establishes a robust correlation between close relationships and well-being. In turn, we know that isolation reduces well-being and is a risk factor for dementia. The fact is that a large proportion of the older population lives alone, an isolation that affects their well-being and healthy ageing. One way of reducing this isolation could be through digital communities and support networks for older people.

 

We welcome proposals on these issues. Possible topics can include (but are by no means limited to):

• Creating digital communities centered on specific localities.

• Online support networks for sharing information on health and healthy ageing.

• Chats and digital forums as tools to reduce social isolation.

• Collaboration between digital technologies and social support services to strengthen support networks for older people.

 

Presidents of the Scientific Committee:

Rita Estrada, Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences

Cátia Vaz, Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences

 

Members of the Scientific Committee:

Rita Estrada, Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences

Cátia Vaz, Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences

Alberto Rocha, Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences

Helena M. Carvalho, Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences

Adriana Oliveira, Polytechnic of Porto

Daniela Monteiro, Catholic University of Portugal

Sílvia Pereira Lopes, University of Coimbra

Anabela Santos Rodrigues, Catholic University of Portugal

 

Contacts for further information: Rita Estrada, rita.estrada@iscedouro.pt; Cátia Vaz, catia.vaz@iscedouro.pt; Alberto Rocha, alberto.rocha@iscedouro.pt; Helena M. Carvalho, helena.carvalho@iscedouro.pt

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