Ensuring Patient Privacy and Data Security in Healthcare Data Entry
Today, protecting patient privacy and data security in healthcare data entry is very important, considering the evolving computing technology. As the world shifts from paper health records to electronic health record systems and other electronic systems, risks involving the loss and/or misuse of private data cannot be ignored. This blog outlines the significance of privacy and security, the hardships that have been encountered, and efficient solutions in order to reduce dangers.
The Need for Protection of Patient Privacy and Data Security
Every individual has a right to privacy and this includes the patient’s data which is why there are rules prohibiting anyone from any access to that information, for example there exists the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the USA. Laws are set up to guide anyone providing health-related services. They have to take a lot of caution to protect any information related to their clients from being exposed to unauthorized individuals or agents. There are very serious implications when patients’ data cannot be afforded with the confidentiality that they deserve including court actions and indignant clients among many other risks.
Difficulties Associated with Protection of Data in Healthcare
There are a number of difficulties that the healthcare industry encounters with regard to securing data:
Volume of Data: The amount of data that is generated in this area of study is on the increase due to the growth in EHR usage rates and improved technology. This volume growth results in more avenues for data stealing.
System Designs: Most health systems apply a number of avenues in patient management. These only act, in a way, to protect the data. These interconnections amongst systems when enabled also pose a threat.
People: A strong percentage of data leaks can be directly connected to a leak in the workplace. Employees are likely to disclose confidential information out of ignorance, or offer ‘phishing’ chances to hackers.
New Technologies: New concepts of telemedicine and mobile health technologies present new challenges. Although these technologies improve the care of patients, they also increase the risk of attacks from criminals.
Strategies for Preventing Data Breaches
In order to meet these challenges, healthcare organizations need to implement full-scale approaches:
Strong Authentication: It is important to have strong authentication procedures in place. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is quite effective in preventing unauthorized persons from accessing sensitive systems.
Data Encryption: Protecting sensitive patient information while it is stored or when being transmitted using encryption is important. This way, if data is captured during transmission, it can still not be read without the necessary decryption keys.
Continuous Staff Education: There is a need for persistent education of the personnel on the issues of data protection. Training should include the ability to detect phishing attacks, the correct control of the information, the ability to comply with laws.
Plans for Responding to Incidents Affecting the Organizations: Every organization should have in place and frequently revise policies and procedures that address any unauthorized access to data in a bid to curtail possible breaches.
Wrapping Up
Rules and guidelines such as the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) or General Data Protection Regulation ensure that the basic requirements when it comes to protecting information are observed. With regular reviews all compliance issues and gaps can be rectified.
