Privacy breaches and electronic communication: Lessons for practitioners and researchers

Abstract

BackgroundIn the era of socially distanced clinical and medical research practices, the use of electronic communication has flourished. The Australian Information Commissioner recently ordered a Victorian general practice to pay $16,400 in compensation following a breach of privacy. This is the largest award of compensation made by the Commissioner in the context of a medical or healthcare privacy matter. The practice had inadvertently sent an email containing sensitive information to an incorrect email address. The email included information concerning the human immunodeficiency virus status of the complainants.

Editorial: Whatever comes through the door

“…13 The article by Carter and Hartridge highlights that injuries are not limited to the physical realm when they underscore the potential of electronic communication systems to cause unintended injury by breaching confidentiality. 14 General practice stands at the forefront of injury prevention, initial management and follow-through. Its presence both averts the incidence and quells the sequelae of these often-unexpected incidences.…”