Jeff
Do you imagine the security implications of connecting clinical systems
to NHSNet are any different to connection to the internet? The beauty of
a cryptography based solution is that it offers more than confidentiality
of the message, but authentication and integrity guarantees as well,
regardless on transport vehicle.
Martin Strange
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Green [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 24 September 1998 09:56
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: RE: GP nets
Fleur,
>Jeff- Has the whole notion of clinical confidentiality been abandoned
>over the W/E???
Which weekend? I'm having problems remembering <BG>
>It sounds a neat and time saving way to handle repeat
>prescriptions I know, but the facility for the pharmacist to
>access/interrogate the patient's record on the GP's computer system is
>UNACCEPTABLE - fraught with risks to medical privacy.
I know that I don't want complete records, but a full prescribing
history would be nice. A list of current drugs I would have thought
of as essential. - Which should include those prescribed by out patient
depts at hospitals. How can I be expected to practice in a safe manner
if I am unaware that the patient is taking warfarin?
>1) the issue of informed patient consent
When did a patient last give a receptionist consent to access records on
a
GP computer system? Do patients even have an idea of how many people in a
4 partner surgery can access their computer records?
>2)the data security issues. We will have to fight to ensure that
practice
>follows ethical principles rather than sliding blindly into the reverse!
Agreed, I'm worried about ideas of using the internet as a way of
e-mailing
scripts. While I agree that the script can be properly encrypted, I don't
believe that the security of a GP system connected to the internet can be
guaranteed.
Regards
Jeff Green
Community Locum and Consultant Pharmacist
[log in to unmask]
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