Interesting replies. As someone who works in the health service and
already faces this problem with nurses who treat patients at home it is
an issue we have tried to address. Nurses take confidentiality very
seriously, a confidentiality clause it is in all health service
contracts (whatever occupation). The nurses here are putting
together a document for all nursing staff who visit patients at home
about the handling and storing of confidential papers for the time that
they are off site. We state the usual security (don't leave on show in
a car, don't leave car unlocked, if taking them into their homes don't
leave them where anyone can read them etc). The reality is you have to
trust the individuals, their contracts of employment state the
responsabilities. Fitting all cars/homes with fireproof safes/filing
cabinets is a great idea but, as stated before, not practicle from the
cost point of view for statrters. Unable as I am to speak for other
professions, nursing staff tend to be anti technology. The idea of
nice small palm tops/Psions etc is just that: a great idea Trying to get
them to use an ordinary PC is a nightmare as they don't see them as part
of the health care process.
Things should be kept in perspective. These types of staff need to take
personal info or they couldn't do their jobs and could possibly make
wrong decisions/judements without it. The vast majority of staff are
level headed and have a sense of responsability. We have to trust them
to do the best they can to keep the information safe. As someone said
before, is equivalent date kept in fireproof lockers in organisations
buildings? I know it isn't in hospitals.
Su Clarke
University Hositals of Leicester
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