In article <[log in to unmask]>, dated Sat, 5
Dec 1998 at 11:50:44, Andrew Herd <[log in to unmask]> writes
>Two observations - first, I wouldn't assume that a closed mailing list is
>secure, and I personally wouldn't be happy about sending information
>containing patient identifiers over the Internet without encryption - all
>the arguments that apply to security on NHSnet would apply to a mailing
>list, only more so! I suspect the GMC/MDU would develop an interest in any
>event.
>
>Second, with regard to verification, even at one quarter the traffic level
>current on GP-UK, the job of moderating the list and dealing with mail
>bounces would be pretty tough, even for a group of individuals.
Yes, security is a relative matter. In an attempt to offer constructive
criticism I was using the term 'secure' in the context of voluntary
disclosure. It *may* be possible to discuss patient history without
seriously compromising patient confidentiality. Assuming that is the
case, my point was that distributing that class of information to a list
of people, albeit all GP's, may still risk breaching confidentiality if
one of those GP's recognises the patient from the description. That risk
is significantly reduced, although certainly not to zero, if the
information is only distributed to a panel comprised of named
individuals.
As to the second point, any job worth doing requires resources. Fully
moderated mailing lists and newsgroups do exist. I am in the process of
setting a mailing list up to allow post-polio specialists around the
world to interact and exchange information. Of course it will involve a
significant amount of work on an ongoing basis but so do a lot of other
jobs, maintaining a web site for example.
Chris
--
Chris Salter (Vice Chairman) Lincolnshire Post-Polio Network
Registered Charity No. 1064177
<URL:http://www.zynet.co.uk/ott/polio/lincolnshire/>
Web Site & Vice Chairman Email: [log in to unmask]
Honorary Secretary Email: [log in to unmask]
Member of the British Healthcare Internet Association
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