Patient Privacy in an Electronic World

Paper Summary:

This paper provides a literature review that assesses current systems that are in place to help protect patient information. The paper then suggests a solution to the problem of achieving a balance between information availability and patient privacy. The paper proposes an integrated system that would result in the highest level of patient confidentiality, yet would allow those that need confidential access to have it.

Outline:
Current Standards for Patient Privacy Protection
Current Solutions to the Problem
Proposed Solution

From the Paper:

"From both a moral and a legal perspective, patients receiving medical treatment have a basic right to have their privacy protected. Information such as diagnoses, test results, and other such information is considered confidential. Certain information is provided to other organizations for the purpose of statistical analysis regarding public health issues. However, serving both the needs of the public health organization, while still adhering to privacy protocols can be difficult. They employ many different types of protocols in order to achieve this end. This research will explore various methods for maintaining patient privacy, yet preserving the integrity of the data so that it can be used for research purposes."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Conn, J. (2005). AHA dispute with JCAHO over data-mining flare ups. Retrieved May 14, 2008 from http://www.patientprivacyrights.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6438.
• Lerouge, C, Culijak, G, & Horan, T. (2007). Consumer Health Informatics, Patient Safety and Quality of Practice. System Sciences, 2007. HICSS 2007. 40th Annual Hawaii International Conference. Held January 2007 at Waikoloa, HI. IEEE Xplore. Retreived May 13, 2008 from http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=4076635
• Loonsk, J. (2004). BioSense - A National Initiative for Early Detection and Quantification of Public Health Emergencies. MMWR Supplement. September 24, 2004. 53(Suppl);53-55. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su5301a13.htm
• McNabb, S., Koo, D., Pinner, R., and Seligman, J. (2006). Informatics and Public Health at CDC. MMWR. December 22, 2006. 55(SUP02);25-28. Retrieved May 13, 2008 from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su5502a10.htm?s_cid=su5502a10_e
• National Cancer Institute (2000). Shared Pathology Informatics Network (SPIN). RFA: CA-01- 006 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-01-006.htm

More papers on Patient Privacy in an Electronic World:

• Essay # 38841 : "Privacy in the Electronic Era"
• Analytical Essay # 123854 : "Patient Privacy Issues"
• Analytical Essay # 123686 : "Health Care and Patient Privacy"

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