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> > There are, no doubt, many security issues that still need to be > addressed. (How, for example, does one ensure that patient sensitive > information is not copied onto personal PCs?) However, lack of access > from remote (non-dedicated) sites does somewhat limit value. > We often make a mistake in healthcare that runs as follows: 1 Here's a new medium (fax, mobile 'phones, email, whatever) 2 Oh look, it has some risks related to confidentiality (or security, or affecting syringe drivers or whatever) 3 Therefore we must reject it. Part 2 is often made even worse by "IT Depts" being responsible for computer-mediated communication but not for traditional media such as paper, 'phones and conversations in corridors. A healthier approach is: 1 Here's something that needs to be communicated. 2 Lets agree how much security and confidentiality is needed. 3 Let's look at all the available media and list the risks, advantages and disadvantages. 4 Then choose the one that has the best combination of security, confidentiality, accountability, and cost. Net technology doesn't carry greater risks than other media and is usually the cheapest and most transferable solution. Now onto the gross overgeneralisations: 1 The biggest threat to security and confidentiality is the 'phone. * Does your laboratory give out reports over the 'phone to "clinicians"? * Do your wards give out clinical information about patients to "clinicians" and "relatives"? 2 If the answer is "fax" you probably haven't understood the question. Jonathan ------ACB discussion List Information-------- This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry. Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content. ACB Web Site http://www.acb.org.uk List Archives http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html List Instructions (How to leave etc.) http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/