As a follow up to our electronic documentation discussion earlier this week, we would like to hear your opinion about the current debate concerning the security of using this tool in healthcare facilities.
Mark Savage, senior attorney for Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, feels the use of electronic health records may leave patients at risk. [1]
“While patients and consumers overwhelmingly support the move to electronic health information exchange, they have concerns about the privacy and security of their personal health information,” said Savage.
Despite his concerns, Savage believes any possible breach can be overcome by adding increased privacy and security into electronic health systems, leading to “increased use and appropriate sharing of patient data.”
With the federal government’s recent program launch to implement a nationwide electronic health information exchange system, many studies have been conducted.
In these studies, research has shown that the transition from paper to electronic health records can lead to advancements in the quality, safety, and accuracy of healthcare. And with increased communication among caregivers, there can also be improvements in care coordination among patients, doctors, and other caregivers. The positive results of electronic documentation outweigh possible concerns.
“It’s not a choice between better privacy and better health care,” said Kate Black, staff counsel of the Heath Privacy project of the Center for Democracy & Technology. “Health information exchange initiatives should aim to achieve both.”
[1] “Health Information Exchange Policy Brief Examines Privacy and Security Concerns and Solutions.” MarketWatch. Web. 5 July 2012.
