Electronic Health Records are widely used in the healthcare scenario of today. With remote healthcare provisions and the strife to provide better services to patients, a data-driven healthcare strategy is begin implemented by the large and small healthcare providers across the world.
The benefits of an open and secure Electronic Health Record system are numerous. They help patients record real-time data, get their questions answered by their physicians, allow them to make online appointments, and enhance their involvement in their own healthcare. Another significant advantage of using EHR systems lies in the fact that healthcare providers are now more connected to each other than ever before.
A patient's overall health data can be accessed by all of their healthcare providers seamlessly so that their complete health picture is visible to them whenever they want to access it. This
provision has led to the momentum that we see in the healthcare industry today.
But, on the flip side, there are quite a few challenges that need to be addressed by the makers or the developers of EHR systems. Security is one such concern. With all of the patient's data available on the cloud, and the cloud being very wary of security these days, the privacy and safety of the data is a big concern for patients as well as healthcare providers.
While security can only rarely be guaranteed entirely, there are a few steps that healthcare providers and solution developers can take to ensure that their patients' data remains safe.
• Stringent access control rules – The provisions of designated username and password to the healthcare providers involved will ensure that there is no data breach. With passwords and PIN numbers, the first step towards security can be taken, and it is a worthy and significant step in ensuring the safety of patient's sensitive health information.
• Encryption of data – Another great way of data security is to encrypt the information before storing it on the cloud, i.e., information that is encrypted should be stored on the cloud. Proper encryption and decryption systems can be integrated into EHR systems so that when the data is pushed for storage on the cloud, it is encrypted, and when it is to be accessed, it is decrypted first.
• Logging and auditing – Auditing of information will reveal the people who accessed the data, when they accessed the data, and the changes they made on the platform. This process can lead to an early discovery of data breach if it happens at any time.
• Remote Wipeout – With this facility integrated into your EHR system, you will be able to wipe your complete health records data from the EHR system remotely. This is helpful when patients or the healthcare providers suspect that a breach may have happened. They can choose to permanently delete the data instantly so that no security leak occurs.
• Firewall systems – Firewalls should be encouraged for patients and healthcare providers, and anyone who can access an EHR system. Installing firewalls on all devices can ensure that no data is leaked via unauthorized connections through the devices.
• File sharing applications – No file sharing applications must be installed on the devices that are used to access EHR systems, as often an authorized connection can be made to your device through a file sharing application without your knowledge.
An additional measure such as installing security software on all devices can assure that all security aspects are taken care of.