Healthcare facilities are adopting new technologies in attempts to boost the levels of care provided. There is no doubt that technology presents healthcare professionals the opportunity to administer effective care. The introduction of mobile devices in the healthcare industry has been one of the most significant technology trends in the recent past. However, various critical challenges arise amid the adoption of mobile devices. Thus, there is a need to explore the privacy risks of mobile devices, review effective security measures, and finally delve into the ways of evaluating their effectiveness.
Privacy Risks of Mobile Devices
Despite mobile devices bringing various benefits in healthcare; there are critical concerns about possible risks, especially on privacy. In most instances, privacy risk involves the patient and their respective healthcare providers. According to Snell, healthcare professionals risk civil liability if there are cases of privacy breach of patient’s information (Snell, 2015). Privacy breach has been identified as one of the most common risks associated with mobile devices. Privacy breaches may occur if stored data are hacked or being stolen, implying that storing patient’s data on mobile devices can be risky.
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Snell (2016) contends that physician and facility liability for failing to obtain patient’s consent is also a potential risk. This is because the patient should be informed before their data is used in any form. This is an implication that both healthcare providers and their institutions may risk the privacy of their patients if they fail to inform them before using their information. Insecure storage of data is also an issue when it comes to mobile devices. Some mobile devices do not promise adequate storage of data which, in turn, creates the gap for access to the information by third parties.
Security Safeguards for Mobile Devices
According to HIT Consultants (2015), mobile devices can be improved to ensure that the data is secured. One of the most effective measures involves the implementation of user’s verification controls. This is a measure that involves encrypting mobile devices with passcodes to keep away access by third parties. This is a locking mechanism that ensures only the healthcare provider and the patient has access to the devices. There is also a need to encourage regular updates to keep the mobile devices updated with the latest security measures. This is a measure that has been identified as the most ideal for keeping away hackers that thrive in gaps created by a lack of recent security updates.
HIT Consultants (2015), also suggests the development of application policy to minimize privacy risks associated with mobile devices in healthcare. The first step to implement this policy should involve healthcare providers. This is to ensure that they understand the need to have secure mobile devices by learning potential risks. This will also ensure that mobile devices providers deliver devices that are up to standards required in healthcare. Another significant security measure for mobile devices is the installation of security programs. This measure involves the installation of internet software that has been designated to prevent harmful malware from compromising mobile devices.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Security Safeguards
The effectiveness of the security safeguards of mobile devices can be assessed using some aspects that involve data privacy. This is an implication that for the measures to be considered effective there is a need to ensure that gaps resulting from privacy risks are addressed. The safeguards should also ensure that there is security in terms of data storage. Considering that this is one of the potential risks of mobile devices, effective protection should guarantee data security. Lastly, the devices should guarantee that only the patient and the physician can access the data on mobile devices. Thus, effectiveness of the security safeguards can be evaluated by considering how they have promoted data security.
Conclusion
Summarily, mobile devices are promising technologies that will improve the quality of care provided by physicians. However, there are critical fears about the security of data stored on mobile devices. This is a concern that calls for the implementation of effective measures to fill the gaps that may be created. This will significantly ensure that the efficiency of mobile devices is improved. Adhering to these vital concerns will result in quality health care as primarily intended.
References
HIT Consultant. (2015). Retrieved from https://hitconsultant.net/2015/11/03/5-best-practices-for-mobile-device-security-in-healthcare/#.XZNpvmAzbIV .
Snell, E. (2015). Top tips for mobile device security. Retrieved from https://healthitsecurity.com/news/top-tips-for-mobile-device-security .
