Ensuring the security and privacy of information in mobile health-care communication systems

Abstract

The sensitivity of health-care information and its accessibility via the Internet and mobile technology systems is a cause for concern in these modern times. The privacy, integrity and confidentiality of a patient's data are key factors to be considered in the transmission of medical information for use by authorised health-care personnel. Mobile communication has enabled medical consultancy, treatment, drug administration and the provision of laboratory results to take place outside the hospital. With the implementation of electronic patient records and the Internet and Intranets, medical information sharing amongst relevant health-care providers was made possible. But the vital issue in this method of information sharing is security: the patient's privacy, as well as the confidentiality and integrity of the health-care information system, should not be compromised. We examine various ways of ensuring the security and privacy of a patient's electronic medical information in order to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the information.

Developing a comprehensive information security framework for mHealth: a detailed analysis

“…However, rapid technological changes and new developments as well as legal requirements (e.g. the requirement to use privacy enhancing technologies under new data protection legislation) have made information security a priority to protect the confidentiality and privacy of healthcare information [8]. Various security methods should be enforced in order to secure mHealth information from the risk of unauthorised access.…”

Experiences of Indian Health Workers Using WhatsApp for Improving Aseptic Practices With Newborns: Exploratory Qualitative Study

“…There is mixed evidence on the utility of using websites and mobile technologies for transmitting images for diagnosis, review, and feedback from experts [ 6 , 15 ] and as a mechanism for building capacity of providers in low- and middle-income settings [ 21 ]. Although we did not ask about concerns of patient privacy, it should be taken into consideration when deciding whether and how to implement a messaging platform like WhatsApp in clinical services [ 22 ]. During the course of this activity, WhatsApp implemented end-to-end encryption, which may provide adequate security for maintaining patient privacy; however, the ethical and legal implications should be examined thoroughly.…”

Management of Medical Records for Better Healthcare Service Delivery

“…With the availability of these records, the healthcare relies on accurate, complete and comprehensive health information. According to Adesina et al (2011), a medical record can exist in paper or electronic form. Electronic medical records have solved problems likes missing medical records, misdiagnosis, and service delays and staff shortages.…”