Answer :
Patient portals offer improved access to medical information and better communication but come with challenges such as privacy concerns and digital inequality. Maintaining patient confidentiality is essential, with practices like encryption and provider training being crucial.
Ethics and informed consent are key to protecting patient rights.
Pros and Cons of Patient Portal Systems
Pros:
- Improved Access: Patients can access their medical records, lab results, and other health information anytime.
- Better Communication: Facilitates easy communication between patients and healthcare providers through secure messaging.
- Enhanced Patient Engagement: Patients can take an active role in their healthcare management.
Cons:
- Digital Divide: Some patients may lack access to the necessary technology or internet connections (Perzynski et al., 2017).
- Privacy Concerns: The risk of unauthorized access to patient information and data breaches.
- User-Friendliness: Older adults or those less tech-savvy may find it challenging to use.
Issues Related to Maintaining Patient Confidentiality
Patient Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in healthcare. It implies that personal health information (PHI) should not be disclosed without the patient's consent. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets guidelines for safeguarding patient information.
- Security Measures: Protecting PHI through encryption, access controls, and secure communication channels is vital.
- Anonymity vs. Confidentiality: Anonymity ensures that patient identifiers are removed, while confidentiality ensures that PHI is not shared with unauthorized individuals (Tan and Goodawardene, 2017).
- Training and Awareness: Healthcare providers need continuous training on handling patient data securely.
Ethics in Healthcare emphasizes the importance of respecting patient privacy and obtaining informed consent before sharing personal health information. Vulnerable populations, in particular, require special considerations to maintain their confidentiality and protect their rights.
