For years, you've heard about the growing role of technology in healthcare, promising to stabilize costs, improve access, and personalize care delivery. As these innovations take hold, however, they also raise serious concerns about data privacy. Today, we’ll explore some of the technological advancements in healthcare and their implications for patient data privacy.
Technological Advancements in Healthcare
In recent years, technology has brought significant improvements to the healthcare industry. Beyond updating an outdated healthcare delivery system through substantial IT investments, it has introduced several other positive changes, including:
- Faster access to medication - A crucial part of getting medication is prior authorization, where patients need approval from both their doctor and insurance. With digital systems in place, this process has become more efficient, allowing patients to receive their medications more quickly, without the long waits for insurance approvals that were once common.
- Smarter medical devices - Smart systems like Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) now offer doctors and patients quicker access to health information. With mobile devices and secure cloud environments, healthcare providers can share vital information more rapidly, enhancing the overall care process.
- Better predictive capabilities - The terrible COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of anticipating the next health crisis. Healthcare organizations can now leverage enhanced databases and online tools to predict and respond to potential outbreaks of contagious diseases with greater speed and accuracy.
The Challenge of Data Privacy
Despite these benefits, there is a significant challenge that tempers the excitement around technology in healthcare: data privacy. As IT systems increasingly handle personal health information (PHI), the risk of cyberattacks grows. This concern has historically made healthcare providers hesitant to update their systems, and rightfully so. Cybercriminals are always seeking personal information, and healthcare data is particularly sensitive.
To address this, healthcare organizations and insurers must invest in cybersecurity as they implement new IT systems. Without robust security measures, the integration of technology into healthcare could ultimately fail, negating the benefits it promises. Currently, there is a push in the U.S. for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish clear guidelines for the cybersecurity of healthcare systems and their related endpoints.
Additionally, new technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence are being developed with the aim of enhancing the security of PHI. These innovations hold the potential to help healthcare organizations meet their goals of improving care quality while managing costs effectively.