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Technology has changed the way that healthcare is delivered to patients, and it has helped to stabilize costs, increase access, and personalize the care delivery process. That said, these innovations have led many to question the privacy of patient data, bringing the issue front and center. Let’s take a look at how IT has changed the way that the healthcare industry functions in regard to data privacy.
IT has completely revolutionized the way that the healthcare industry–one which has traditionally remained quite antiquated–operates. Here are some of the changes:
The key problem with using IT systems to disseminate medical records and other personal health information (PHI) is that it becomes more of a cybersecurity risk to do so. This is why many organizations have resisted upgrading their systems for so long, and it is a valid concern. Cybercriminals can glean considerable value and profits from healthcare information.
Therefore, if companies want to invest in their systems, they also have to invest in cybersecurity. Otherwise, the integration can become more of a risk than a benefit. It would be foolish to invest in technology without also investing in cybersecurity. There is currently a push in the U.S. to have the Food and Drug Administration establish clear guidelines that organizations should meet if they want to adhere to established cybersecurity best practices for systems and endpoints. Many systems are being developed to use innovative new technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence to improve security of PHI, and hopefully healthcare providers can implement these systems to reduce costs and provide better care to their patients.
What are your thoughts on these new technological developments in healthcare? Let us know in the comments below.
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