Protecting Privacy in Telehealth Communication – Infographic
Health care providers have been able to use telehealth for a wide range of services, from exams to consultations to diagnosis to patient monitoring. However, as the accompanying resource points out, with all of these benefits come some risks, largely revolving around privacy. The resource provides a high-level overview of the major privacy issues with telehealth, as well as recommendations for securing data and communication.
When health care administrators think about privacy, their attention often turns to software systems and procedures used in the transmission and collection of personal data. Relatively simple changes — such as having automatic log-off for video conferencing — could help a great deal in preventing other members of the staff or unauthorized personnel and third parties from accidentally or purposefully gaining access.
The most sophisticated malware detection system and heavily encrypted data transmission may not prevent an unauthorized individual in the office from overhearing a confidential patient conversation. Whether the eavesdropping is intentional or inadvertent, such breaches can be just as damaging as any other type of breach. Health care offices should design spaces to keep telehealth providers as isolated as possible and install soundproofing systems to dampen sound and keep private conversations private. The resource provides a high-level overview of the major privacy issues with telehealth, as well as recommendations for securing data and communication. For more information, please continue reading the resource.
*Infographic and Intro courtesy of Not Well Noise Control
