Ethical Issues In Health Care

Narrative:
I selected this topic because patient healthcare records have always been considered extremely sensitive in nature and due to the delicate nature of patient healthcare data it has been widely kept from mobile based platforms and interconnected computerized systems. This potentially could have negative effects on healthcare professionals ethically and healthcare professionals are charged with safeguarding that data. Introducing patient data with vulnerable information technology systems could prove catastrophic to both patients and healthcare providers. The healthcare industry is infamous for utilizing mediocre cyber-security best practices that would ultimately allow sensitive patient data to fall in the wrong hands. In this paper …show more content…
It is believed that by transitioning these records to electronic platforms will increase efficiency. “Electronic health record (EHR) systems can improve service efficiency and quality within the health care sector and thus have been widely considered for adaptation. Yet the introduction of such systems has caused much concern about patients’ information privacy” (Ting, 2014). The main concern with the inclusion of patient data and computer systems is privacy. Some records are already converted to (EHR) which calls into question whether or not the patients had the option to opt out of the digitizing of their records or not. This is a huge ethical issue because patients are no longer in control of their sensitive healthcare information and their records could be used or viewed without their consent. In this instance ease of use can trump the ethical responsibility due to patients. Patients are extremely concerned with the privacy and the confidentiality of their records. “Concerns about confidentiality have fueled debates about the proper balance of individual and societal interests” (Myers, 2008). By making this information available through digital records, it allows for the possibility of lost records, accidental disclosure of disease status, and last but not least cyber-based intrusion …show more content…
This data, should it fall into the wrong hands could potentially wreak havoc in various aspects of patient’s lives. “Patients are justifiably concerned that a breach may lead to embarrassment, stigma, or discrimination; that they could potentially lose their job, health insurance, and housing; or they could suffer other serious consequences” (Myers, 2008). Due to importance of this information computer systems should be regulated and monitored continuously and make every attempt to safeguard this

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