From electronic medical records to telehealth, patient data solutions have become increasingly integral to care. But with these advances come several important questions — namely, what's the best way to protect your patients' privacy in this new digital world? Explore our collection of frequently asked questions about patient data solutions and learn how you can ensure patient privacy.
- How do I address patient access to lab results? The past decade has seen an explosion in the growth of electronic medical records, allowing clinicians to organize and streamline care. As digital record-keeping has replaced paper charts, patients now also have access to their own electronic medical records. This can provide convenience and transparency, but it also has the potential to increase confusion and anxiety. For example, physicians must be prepared to acknowledge patient access to lab test results and discuss what those findings actually mean.
- What should I know about blockchain applications in healthcare? Blockchain is a method of digital information storage that allows for shared access of connected information "blocks" by multiple parties. This tool, which is also used for Bitcoin transactions, has the potential to consolidate electronic medical records and other patient data. This could result in a lifetime medical record that can be updated in seconds. But what are the risks — and how close are these applications to becoming reality?
- How do patient data and the GDPR intersect? In 2018, the European Union (EU) began enforcing its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This rule imposes restrictions on how websites collect and use the personal and private data of EU citizens (including non-EU sites that collect data from people living in the EU). The GDPR works to prevent users' data from being exploited in hacks and other data breaches. Clinicians should learn how the GDPR affects their access to medical records for patients who have received care in the EU.
- How can patient data be kept secure during telehealth consultations? The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of telehealth to enhance patient care and communication. With telehealth, technology meets healthcare: Patients gain easier access to their physicians through phone and video consultation options. But clinicians can also find themselves faced with new concerns about privacy and security amid this growing trend. Here's what you need to know.
- Where can I learn how to get a HIPAA-compliant email? For patients, emailing their physician can be an easy and accessible option. But before you or your patient hits "send," it's important to know just how to make sure your message and email practices are HIPAA-compliant. Learn what protected health information you should and shouldn't include in an email, and why even the best encryption can't prevent human error.
- How can I protect patient privacy when using a digital assistant? Alexa, Siri and other digital assistants promise to play a growing role in healthcare. These voice-activated devices not only provide medication reminders, pre- and post-surgical instructions, and emergency room wait times, they could also soon be used to access electronic medical records. It's crucial to understand how to prevent security breaches and protect patient privacy when using these systems.
Digital technology is transforming the way physicians practice, but it also brings a slew of concerns about patient privacy. For more on what you need to know about patient data solutions, explore the entire collection of information on patient privacy and security.
