Privacy and Confidentiality Issues of AnEmr Application: Health Professionals, Health Managers and Patients’ Perception in Zewditu and Ras Desta Damtew Hospitals
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Date
2013-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Introduction
Establishing a nationwide Electronic Health Record system has become a primary objective for
many countries around the world in order to improve the quality of healthcare while at the same
time decreasing its cost. However, implementation of EHR systems is being hindered by several
obstacles, among which are concerns about data privacy and trustworthiness. With the
introduction of e-health, concerns of right to data privacy became a primary concern for the
patients and health professionals.
Objective
The objective of this study is to explore the perception of health professionals, managers and
patients’ towards privacy and confidentiality issues of Electronic Medical Records in Zewditu
and Ras Desta Damtew memorial hospitals.
Method
A hospital based cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted among 420 health
professionals and patients to assess health care professionals, health managers and patients
attitude towards privacy issues of EMR. The sample size was calculated using single population
proportion formula. The data was collected through standardized questionnaire. Respondents
were assessed by socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude and practice variables.
Result
Among users of EMR, 229 (79.8 %) are trained to use the software by NGO, Government, and
by themselves or self trained. About 66 (28.8%) replied the training prepared them fully to keep
patient privacy, 120 (52.2%) mostly prepared, 41(17.9%) somewhat prepared and the rest 2
(0.7%) said not at all. Forty eight (21%) of the respondents have no individual Log in Id and
passwords. They have no other option to enter their patients data other than sharing others
passwords. Nineteen (16.5%) of patients even don’t know that their health data will go into
computerized method.
In this study, patients who are relatively literate (assessed by their educational status) showed
concerns of privacy issues but illiterate patients didn’t know risks and benefits of computerized
medical record. Almost all patients want to be asked before their health data is taken for research
or other purpose. Overall managers, health professionals and patients are comfortable by the
existing system except privacy concerns.Conclusion and Recommendation
In this study, all respondents believe that EMR system is likely to increase the quality of care. At
the same time, respondents have significant concerns about the privacy of their medical records.
There is no means to control (audit trial) over who can access patient data among employees.
Most respondents are obliged to share passwords because they have no individual Log in Id and
passwords. This shows the presence of some gaps not to ensure privacy of patient information.
Even though respondents are comfortable by the EMR system, privacy concerns are still there.
Therefore, government and other responsible bodies should implement and enforce strategies to
strengthen privacy. Health care providers should inform to their patients how their health data is
being stored in order to increase their awareness, avoid confusion and build public trust
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Keywords
Health Professionals, Health Managers