Unit 10: Lesson 3: Threats to Electronic Information

Lesson 3: Threats to Electronic Information

Lesson 3: Threats to Electronic Information

When using electronic information, health science professionals need to understand the concerns or threats to the data to reduce these risks. Some of the dangers with electronic data are similar to those with paper data, although additional risks are unique to electronic records.

One set of risks includes threats that affect the quality of the information. Imagine that you have a patient record. What might change the quality of this record in a computer? One risk involves changes to the record. This could occur when someone accidentally hits a key and saves the file without realizing it. Changes can also be intentional if an employee decides to edit a purporting some benefit or to be damaging information. Changes to the systems in which the data is stored can also create issues with retrieving details or how the data is processed. Finally, viruses may be introduced to the computer system, making retrieving data difficult or corrupting or deleting it.

Another set of risks that can affect electronic information is the availability of the data itself. Many factors might make electronic information unavailable to health science professionals. Some of these are short-term problems, such as a temporary loss of power or when the system runs too slowly due to many users. Other factors can be longer lasting and create more difficulty retrieving data, such as the intentional destruction of computers and file storage devices.

Finally, there are risks to confidentiality. Although any information written down or spoken is subject to privacy and confidentiality risks, electronic data may be more accessible for unauthorized people to access in some circumstances. For example, a hospital's patient information may be kept on a single network, allowing individuals not involved in the care of a particular patient to access the patient's records. In addition, hackers or unauthorized access through wireless networks can also pose a risk to electronic information.

E-Prescribing

Another change that has occurred in the area of informatics and healthcare is the use of electronic prescriptions. E-prescribing is the electronic transmission of prescription information through computers or other devices. Although the transition to e-prescribing has been slow, more physicians use these systems daily.

E-prescribing offers several benefits. Perhaps the most significant advantage is that prescription errors due to illegible handwriting are eliminated; studies indicate that approximately 1.5 million people are harmed each year in the United States due to prescription errors. E-prescribing systems can also track a patient's allergies and medications to alert pharmacists to any issues with what has been prescribed by a patient's physician. Some e-prescribing systems also include dosing recommendations and off-label uses to help physicians.

At the same time, e-prescription services require training and experience for physicians to feel comfortable using them. As with any electronic service, there are concerns about the safety of the information and its transmission. E-prescribing can take longer to perform, although it does create a more comprehensive record of prescriptions and doses for each patient.