Privacy and Public Health at Risk: Public Health Confidentiality in the Digital Age
Creator
Myers, Julie
Frieden, Thomas R.
Bherwani, Kamal M.
Henning, Kelly J.
Bibliographic Citation
American Journal of Public Health 2008 May; 98(5): 793-801
Abstract
Public health agencies increasingly use electronic means to acquire, use, maintain, and store personal health information. Electronic data formats can improve performance of core public health functions, but potentially threaten privacy because they can be easily duplicated and transmitted to unauthorized people. Although such security breaches do occur, electronic data can be better secured than paper records, because authentication, authorization, auditing, and accountability can be facilitated. Public health professionals should collaborate with law and information technology colleagues to assess possible threats, implement updated policies, train staff, and develop preventive engineering measures to protect information. Tightened physical and electronic controls can prevent misuse of data, minimize the risk of security breaches, and help maintain the reputation and integrity of public health agencies.
Permanent Link
Find in a Library.http://hdl.handle.net/10822/957539
Date
2008-05Collections
Metadata
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