Survey: Half of Americans Concerned That Electronic Health Records Will Negatively Impact Privacy

  • Mar 10, 2011

CDW Healthcare, part of the public sector subsidiary of CDW LLC, recently announced the results of a national survey on patient perceptions of electronic health records (EHRs) and the security of personal health information (PHI).

The report, “Elevated Heart Rates:  EHR and IT Security,” found that while patients trust their doctors to protect their information, 49 percent believe that EHRs will have a negative impact on the privacy of their PHI and health data.

As healthcare organizations transition to EHRs, they will be responsible for maintaining and protecting a significant amount of personal data electronically.  According to the survey, patients not only require that PHI be held securely, but also believe that healthcare organizations are responsible for protecting financial information (86 percent), personally identifiable information (93 percent) and any information provided about a patient’s family (94 percent).

“The new era of EHR brings with it a whole new set of requirements for healthcare organizations -- particularly in the area of IT security,” said Bob Rossi, vice president of CDW Healthcare.  “Digital files are not inherently less secure than paper files, but they do require a completely different set of technologies, processes and internal policies for protection.”

In fact, recent research from CDW Healthcare indicates that many physician practices have not yet prioritized IT security.  According to CDW Healthcare’s Physician Practice EHR Price Tag, 30 percent of physician practices report that they lack basic anti-virus software and 34 percent report that they do not use network firewalls.  Both elements are considered basic steps in developing a minimum IT security profile.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, patients should expect significant benefits from the PHI included in EHRs, including:

  • The reduction of adverse drug events, medical errors and redundant tests and procedures when used in conjunction with e-prescribing.
  • The regular use of preventive services such as health screenings, which can help reduce health care costs.
  • Improved communication between patients and providers, giving patients better access to timely information.
  • The reduction of office waiting time by improving office efficiency.

Both the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act set standards for protecting PHI and create penalties for any violations.  Beyond those formal penalties, however, patients may respond to any breach of trust with a changed business relationship. 

For survey respondents who were notified of a breach of their personal data from any business or organization in the past, 33 percent changed their relationship with the offending organization, including 9 percent that severed the relationship, 12 percent that reduced spending and 12 percent that no longer trust that organization.

Ultimately, survey respondents put responsibility for the protection of their information directly on physician practices.  When asked who they hold primarily responsible for the privacy and security of their health information, 84 percent of respondents cited either a staff member at the doctors’ office by role, or the medical practice as a whole.

“For physician practices, IT security must be a primary part of any EHR,” said Rossi.  “Right now, patients trust their doctors more than anyone else to protect their personal information.  But like any relationship based upon trust, even one breach can fundamentally change the dynamic.”

CDW Healthcare conducted a survey of 1,000 respondents across the United States from January 24 to January 31.  The age and gender distribution of the survey sample match that of the overall U.S. population.  All survey respondents had been to both a doctors’ office and hospital/outpatient clinic in the previous 18 months.

A full copy of CDW Healthcare’s Elevated Heart Rates:  EHR and IT Security Report is available at http://www.cdw.com/HeartRates. 

 

Featured

  • Brivo, Eagle Eye Networks Merge

    Dean Drako, Chairman of Brivo, the leading global provider of cloud-native access control and smart space technologies, and Founder of Eagle Eye Networks, the global leader in cloud AI video surveillance, today announced the two companies will merge, creating the world’s largest AI cloud-native physical security company. The merged company will operate under the Brivo name and deliver a truly unified cloud-native security platform. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.