For this paper you will address the following subjects:
- Identify the various ethical, legal, and safety considerations applicable to your topic of interest.
- What are two major challenges that you see in protecting patient privacy regarding health care information, and specifically your chosen technology, in today’s health care climate?
The paper should include:
- 3 professional references,
- be 3-4 pages long,
- contain an introduction and conclusion,
- in-text citations,
- a cover page, and
- a reference page
This paper must follow all proper APA formatting requirements.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The advancement in medical technology has brought several benefits to patients and healthcare professionals. However, there are several ethical, legal, and safety considerations that need to be addressed to protect patients’ privacy regarding healthcare information. As a medical professor, I have designed and conducted lectures on these topics and evaluated student performance to prepare them to deal with the challenges they may face in today’s healthcare climate.
Identify the various ethical, legal, and safety considerations applicable to your topic of interest.
The topic of interest in this case is the use of electronic health records (EHRs) in medical practice. One of the ethical considerations is the need to protect patients’ confidentiality and privacy. Medical professionals have a responsibility to ensure that patients’ information is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals. Additionally, there is a need to ensure that the information obtained from EHRs is accurate and up-to-date, as errors can negatively impact treatment outcomes.
There are several legal considerations associated with the use of EHRs. For instance, healthcare providers must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, which require them to safeguard patients’ data. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to legal action, including hefty fines, and damage to the healthcare provider’s reputation.
Safety concerns are also crucial when using EHRs. As these records contain sensitive information such as medication history, allergies, and current diagnoses, medical professionals need to ensure that the information they access is accurate and relevant to the patients they are treating. Any incorrect information could lead to dangerous medical complications.
What are two major challenges that you see in protecting patient privacy regarding health care information, and specifically your chosen technology, in today’s health care climate?
The first major challenge is the issue of data breaches. Despite the efforts made to protect EHRs, they remain vulnerable to cyber-attacks, which can result in the theft of patients’ information. This information can then be used for malicious purposes such as identity theft, which poses a significant risk to patients’ privacy.
The second significant challenge is the widespread use of third-party apps that can access and collect patients’ data from EHRs. While these apps may be useful in enhancing healthcare delivery, they also pose a significant risk to patients’ privacy. This is because patients may not fully understand how their data is being used by these apps or who has access to this information.
In conclusion, protecting patients’ privacy regarding healthcare information is crucial in today’s healthcare climate. Medical professionals must be aware of the challenges and find ways to address them effectively. Compliance with ethical, legal, and safety standards is essential in ensuring that patients’ information remains confidential and secure.
