Health Informatics: Privacy and Security Issues

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Questions and Answers

What is a benefit of Electronic Health Records (EHR) for clinicians?

Reduction in patient visits

Availability of information when and where needed (correct)

Reduced need for medical training

Less time spent on paperwork

How does Personal Health Records (PHR) empower patients?

By providing them with unlimited healthcare resources

By connecting them directly to healthcare providers

By giving them continuous access to their own information (correct)

By allowing them to eliminate any health records

What function does decision support in EHR provide to clinicians?

Access to other physicians' records

Assistance in diagnosis and treatment decisions (correct)

Reduction of data entry errors

Confidentiality of patient records

What advantage does research benefit from fully integrated EHR?

Access to larger databanks yielding more valid and precise research (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is NOT part of the quality chasm framework for healthcare?

Cost-effective (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which security measure ensures patient data is protected during communication?

Encrypted communication (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary responsibility of nurses regarding patient information?

Ensuring information accuracy (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Security Rule of HIPAA primarily focus on?

Protecting electronic patient data (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of encryption?

To translate data into a code that requires a password for access (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of HIPAA?

Access Rule (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three aspects of data security?

Providing constant internet access to data (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which approach focuses on the physical protection of hardware?

Hardware approach (D) Signup and view all the answers

How frequently should patient data be backed up to avoid loss?

Regularly (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does authentication in software security refer to?

The methods by which a system verifies the identity of a user (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence of violating HIPAA regulations?

Fines and imprisonment (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is training on confidentiality important?

To prevent breaches of confidentiality from within the organization (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an audit system in patient information security?

To track access and monitor activities (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can help prevent unauthorized access to patient information?

Security key devices (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which is a potential threat to organizational security?

Use of personal computing devices for work (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible measure of hardware security?

Physical barriers like locks and special doors (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant threat posed by computer viruses?

Compromising the integrity of data storage (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does privacy in healthcare data refer to?

The ability to restrict use and disclosure of health information (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which method is considered the most secure for authenticating access to healthcare records?

Biometrics from physiological characteristics (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the prime concern when developing policies regarding privacy and confidentiality?

The patient (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is confidentiality primarily concerned with in healthcare?

The unauthorized release of health data (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is informing the public about new hospital information systems important?

To enhance public trust in healthcare (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue with password management in healthcare systems?

Users are encouraged to share their passwords (A) Signup and view all the answers

What must be obtained before using patient information for research?

Patient consent (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the least secure authentication method mentioned?

User ID and password (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge when using electronic health records during patient visits?

Maintaining eye contact (B) Signup and view all the answers

What practice is recommended to enhance security when using healthcare records?

Changing passwords frequently (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should a data controller be accountable for?

Ensuring patient information is accurate and secure (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does unauthorized access to computerized records typically occur?

Poorly secured passwords (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk when healthcare data is transmitted?

Leakage of confidential information may occur (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

EHRs allow healthcare professionals (HCP) continuous access to patient data, improving care quality.
Personal Health Records (PHR) empower patients to access their health information and care providers.

Benefits of Integrated EHR

Clinicians benefit from timely information availability and decision support.
Patients gain knowledge about record access and have a single location for healthcare data.
Researchers can access large databanks, leading to more valid findings.

Quality Healthcare Attributes

Healthcare must be safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable.

Concerns About Healthcare Data

Key issues include the protection of healthcare data focusing on privacy, confidentiality, and security.

Key Definitions

Privacy: The right of individuals to control the use and disclosure of personal health information.
Security: Safeguards ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health data.
Confidentiality: Regulated disclosure of personal health information to providers under agreed conditions.

Privacy Issues

Patients may hesitate to disclose health information due to privacy concerns.
Ensuring patient privacy is a vital professional responsibility.

Confidentiality Challenges

Computerization increases access risks; unauthorized personnel can easily access multiple records.
Authentication methods should secure records, with biometrics being the most effective.

Security Aspects

Security involves protecting data accuracy and preventing unauthorized access and damage.
A three-pronged approach includes hardware security, software security, and operational security.

Hardware Security

Includes identification, isolation features, and access control.

Software Security

Employs authentication processes to confirm user identities and audit systems to track access attempts.

Organizational Security

Establishes protocols for data processing and access control, emphasizing confidentiality.

Common Security Measures

Utilize network compartments, encrypted communication, audit systems, and password protection.

System Availability

Systems must be operational when needed, with regular backup to prevent data loss.

Legislation and Standards

Policies like HIPAA set standards for data protection and handling of patient information.

HIPAA Components

Security Rule: Establishes uniform protection policies for electronic patient data.
Privacy Rule: Sets standards for protecting medical records and provides controls for patients over their health information.
Violations can result in severe fines or imprisonment for misuse of health information.

Nursing Responsibilities

Nurses play a crucial role in safeguarding patient privacy and ensuring data integrity.
Continuous education and policy development regarding patient confidentiality and security are essential.

EHR Challenges

Challenges during patient visits include loss of personal interaction, slow systems, and difficulties in documentation.

Summary Principles

Data collection should be limited, relevant, accurate, and securely safeguarded.
Openness about data practices is essential, and accountability for patient information is required.

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Description

Explore the challenges and issues surrounding privacy, confidentiality, and security in health informatics. This quiz delves into the implications of electronic health records (EHR) and personal health records (PHR) for healthcare providers and patients alike. Understand the benefits and risks associated with fully integrated health information systems.