DHC 2008: Pre-Conference Themes and Variations, Data Transfer, Access and Security
John Steindorf of CapData and John Barlo of Sun Microsystems raised concerns about security and privacy, suggesting that keeping the information centralized provided a better approach to protect data. If data is accessed through a thin client (e.g., data stored centrally), none of the data is put at risk for improper storage and theft (e.g., stolen laptop). Although in some cases storage of patient data on thick clients with data stored locally (e.g., visiting nurse laptops) is necessary, they present greater security problems.
Proper processes and governance is necessary for the sharing of de-identified data. Although the information may undergo aggregate analysis, individual patients may be singled out for inclusion in clinical trials and other research activities. Strict rules must be followed to ensure patient privacy as well as compliance with existing state and federal laws (e.g., HIPAA). The variance seen in state laws make compliance with these rules quite difficult.
Barry P. Chaiken, MD, MPH, has over 18 years experience in medical research, epidemiology, continuous quality improvement, utilization management, risk management, health care consulting, and public health. He is a member of the board of directors of HIMSS and a former associate chief medical officer of BearingPoint.
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