Data security in the healthcare industry ? What needs to be done?

Posted by Nisharao on May 2nd, 2018

Data is the new currency. And it’s doubly so in the healthcare industry. Safeguarding patient data is not just mandatory, but essential to ensure patient confidentiality. If you still use the old methods of collecting patient data in forms, filing them, passing them over to relevant departments, imagine how many people have access to the data. Anyone can just open the file, and access the data. Even more are the chances of loss or misfiling of essential patient information. This could mean serious problem for the management. As a healthcare provider, if you are serious about ensuring data security of your patient records, then you definitely need to reach out to healthcare IT vendors.

Healthcare software vendors specialize in automating data entry, transfer, and backup process. They will help you automate the entire process from patient check-in by the front office staff to clinical data updates made by the provider and more. Automation helps in mitigating and minimizing data breaches.

Electronic forms allow patients to directly key in their personal details and medical records. So, except for the patient and the healthcare personnel’s involved, no one will be able to gain access to the patient’s records. Automating patient record entry is the first step to ensuring data security.

The next point where security breach could occur is when data is being transferred from one department to another. However, the software program can be designed with password protection and a high level encryption. That way, only authorized people have access to the relevant patient records. There are two ways password protection ensures data confidentiality. One, it prevents unauthorized persons from accessing the records. Second, it allows the management to track people who access the records.

Automating data transport not just prevents unauthorized access to confidential reports. It also helps safeguard vital information from leaking to unwanted parties. When you discuss your automation request with healthcare IT vendors, you can ask them for data encryption option. This prevents malware from stealing data from your system.

Automating can help prevent data breach, both internal and external. Contact reliable healthcare software vendors right away to set up a set up a software system that not just helps streamline your workflow, but also secure important data.