Does healthcare reform make increased data breach inevitable?
Posted on Tue, Jan 03, 2012
The NHS is currently undergoing its most radical shake up for many decades as significant budget cuts push forward the move to decentralise care into the hands of GPs. But what does this mean for information security and governance?
Frequent incidents of data loss in the NHS
Increased access and sharing of resources and clinical intelligence has disconcerted many healthcare and IT professionals as mounting incidents of NHS data loss puts data responsibility and the consequences of data loss on the shoulders of clincians. However, data in motion does not have to mean data at risk. Increased privacy training at all levels, together with the appropriate use of secure and intelligent software could lead to better and more systematic data security measures across the NHS.
Decentralisation of data responsibility - are GPs and clinicians ready?
January 2011 saw a proposed move toward decentralisation of data responsibility within the NHS, whereby GPs and clinicians will be accountable for protecting patient information whether static or in transfer. Unfortunately the odds of increased data security in this situation do not look favourable; the NHS has a turbulent track record when it comes to protecting data, and particularly data in motion.
As it stands, it is very likely that we will see an increase in data breaches if decentralisation reforms proceed without paying attention to data security and privacy aspects.
Key steps to a robust data protection strategy
The first step in achieving a robust data protection strategy for the NHS is to conduct training to create an environment where data protection is as much a part of everyday operation as the washing of hands. Standardised training would help staff to understand the different ways in which data might be compromised, the importance of adhering to certain data handling procedures, and the personal risks associated with actual data loss; fines, law suits, time and the loss of crucial patient respect and reputation.
Secondly, it is imperative that the NHS re-assess the IT solutions they use to protect data on a daily basis. Procedures supported by specialist software can eliminate data loss, and this is where ISEEU™ Global can help. Our software is already in place in the health sector where it provides innovative working practices through secure telemedicine solutions that improve patient care while cutting costs.
Securing data in transit
Products such as ISEEU Global Courier can provide the NHS with an advanced secure file transfer solution that prevents unauthorized access to files sent electronically over public networks. With Courier, GPs or clinicians can securely send and receive large files and folders (of multiple megabytes or gigabytes in size) such as X-Rays, images or other information to and from specialists and consultants as easily as posting a letter. The software features encryption and an authentication check point which validates recipients so confidential information is remains protected. And as with all ISEEU Global Software, Courier features an audit trail for tracking and reporting so that GPs can demonstrate compliance with stringent government security guidelines.
Utilising products designed by the technical specialists at ISEEU™ Global would provide both the knowledge and facilities to facilitate a shift in NHS data security, supporting a culture of privacy and protection. If a systematic data protection policy is implemented across the NHS, data loss could become a thing of the past.
For more information about our solutions for healthcare and NHS secure file transfer and collaboration or to arrange a demonstration, contact us now.
Related article: http://www.scmagazineuk.com/nhs-decentralisation--what-will-be-the-impact-on-security-of-data/article/197715/