Virtual health’s platform was designed for privacy and security for telehealth, but most of these security and privacy issues threatened its success if they weren’t addressed. Whether the immediate focus is on data sharing or deciding to concentrate on system protection, without action, these risks will eventually undermine telehealth’s success.
Providing a safe and secure platform that falls within the law can be tricky, particularly if there is no current regulatory system to base checks and progress on when faults and gaps are identified. The development and subsequent enforcement of a similar protocol would enhance the reputation and build trust between telehealth and its client base. We have pinpointed the five areas below as potential security lessons you can learn from running a telehealth platform.
1. PRIVACY RISKS
The sensors used on patients at home can contain sensitive information. The risk here is from the perceived absence of control of telehealth protocols in some areas. The ones most at risk are the disclosure, use, and collection of personal data limits.
2. PRIVACY CONTROLS
Telehealth’s digital infrastructure is not currently covered in enough detail by existing laws.
Therefore, individuals have few capabilities and no legal right to request copies of information gathered at home. This covers both home monitoring devices and apps. The use and disclosure of such data is mostly technology companies-determined and governed by little or no legal restrictions. This, of course, means there is a huge gap in substantial control of information being leaked out.
3. SECURITY RISKS
When a patient communicates with a provider on a general telehealth system, multiple risks apply during the transmission, including sensitive data collection and breach of confidentiality. The potential risk that data stored on supporting devices are susceptible to unauthorized access, and the patient could inadvertently receive hardware or software detailed data.
4. SECURITY CONTROLS
In terms of encryption, the correct key can access important data for anyone. Regarding the underlying information system, retrieving such data can be protected further using validation and access control technology, limiting the viewing of information depending on the identity of the access request. This could be a person’s name or their role within a company, for example.
5. HIPAA PROTECTION
Should providers be legally obliged to adopt the management of identity protocols and access controls? Electronic identifiable health data should be protected by safeguarding the following areas according to HIPAA security rules; administrative, technical and physical. It also states in its privacy rule that limits identifiable health information to be used and disclosed.
Final Thoughts
Like all industries and sectors, medical care is continually evolving by updating services and introducing the latest innovative technologies to provide patients with state-of-the-art treatment and the best possible care. The digital world can undoubtedly enhance this and make telehealth a significant player by fully incorporating it on multiple platforms like mobile, computer and market it easily with strong networking links. For this to happen, there needs to be strong regulatory enforcement that will oversee the continued improvement of privacy and security across all telehealth services. Whether this involves booking routine check-ups in Ohio or applying for a medical marijuana card application in Missouri, telehealth users deserve that level of confidentiality from what has the potential to be a groundbreaking service.
