Medical record privacy

Abstract

Part of the job of healthcare providers is to manage patient information. Most is routine, but some is sensitive. For these reasons physicians' offices provide a rich environment for understanding complex, sensitive information management issues as they pertain to privacy and security. In this paper we present findings from interviews and observations of 15 offices in rural-serving southwest Virginia. Our work demonstrates how the current socio-technical system fails to meet the security needs of the patient. In particular, we found that the tensions between work practice and security, and between electronic and paper records resulted in insecure management of files.

Rural HCI Research

“…Two studies, by contrast, focused on how local health services use technology to meet local needs. One considered difficulties with electronic health records and maintaining patient privacy in small healthcare practices [5]. A study of rural cancer navigators examined their needs in the context of limited resources and design opportunities for further support [81].…”

“…Because rural social networks are dense and involve connections across multiple contexts, it can be especially difficult for privacy to be maintained in health and social services in rural areas [5]; such privacy concerns can be further exacerbated for those with stigmatized health conditions [164]. One reviewed HCI study showed privacy lapses in use of electronic health records [5].…”

“…Because rural social networks are dense and involve connections across multiple contexts, it can be especially difficult for privacy to be maintained in health and social services in rural areas [5]; such privacy concerns can be further exacerbated for those with stigmatized health conditions [164]. One reviewed HCI study showed privacy lapses in use of electronic health records [5]. As more rural healthcare organizations adopt electronic health records (e.g., [70]) and virtual consultations (e.g., [82]), there is a need to further investigate privacy-related perspectives and practices among rural dwellers-including those who work or volunteer for health and social services.…”