Why is data privacy in eHealth and telemedicine so important?
eHealth and telemedicine have revolutionised the healthcare industry, bringing unprecedented convenience and accessibility to patients worldwide.
In fact, the global digital health market was valued at $211 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow 18.6% annually until 2030.
People now have more control over their health, personalised treatment is more widespread, and new medical breakthroughs are happening every day - all through the power of health data.
As these technologies continue to evolve, the importance of data privacy cannot be overlooked. With the abundance of sensitive medical information being transmitted and stored digitally, safeguarding patient data has never been more essential.
The growth of eHealth and telemedicine
The convenience and accessibility of remote consultations, digital health platforms and telemedicine have made them indispensable tools in modern healthcare.
Thanks to the essential need for remote healthcare during COVID-19, patients now have enhanced access to healthcare services and medical advice, all from the comfort of their homes.
Digital healthcare has also enabled the further expansion of the use of electronic health records (EHRs), particularly in the US. These digital versions of medical information have helped revolutionise the way healthcare professionals can manage, store, access and exchange portable patient information.
Operationally, this improves efficient workflows, enables better interoperability and often increases robust security measures to protect patient information from unauthorised access. On the care side, EHRs transform healthcare delivery by improving access to information, enhancing care coordination and patient safety, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
The boom in wearables and health trackers
The growth of eHealth has paved the way for personalised healthcare, empowering individuals to control their health and well-being, and bringing health closer to home.
In 2020, Pew Research Center found that 1 in 5 Americans used a smartwatch or fitness tracker.
Today, wearables and fitness trackers like Fitbits and smartwatches are more sophisticated than ever. They can monitor physical activity, record vital signs and track metrics such as footsteps, blood oxygen saturation, sleep, stress levels, menstruation, and more.
As healthcare becomes more personalised and reliant on technology, the need to prioritise data privacy becomes even more critical.
The potential risks of data breaches and unauthorised access pose significant threats to patient privacy. Malicious exploitation of sensitive medical information can lead to identity theft, insurance fraud, and compromised patient care. Privacy violations can also damage patient trust and negatively affect the delivery of healthcare services.
What is the need for data privacy?
Health organisations have to comply with legal regulations, and patients need to be able to have control over their health data.
Key legislation - such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 1996 (HIPAA) and the GDPR - are there for a reason. Robust encryption and secure data transmission protocols are crucial in maintaining the confidentiality and protection of EHRs and personal health information (PHI).
By properly safeguarding PHI, there are also other benefits. Data privacy protects against unauthorised access - to patient data as well as internal systems of health organisations.
As a result, it empowers patients to retain control over the sharing and use of their medical data. Individuals can have confidence to engage with remote healthcare, without compromising privacy or security of their personal information.
It is crucial to stay up-to-date with privacy regulations and best practices and collaborate with technology providers who are committed to data security, to ensure robust privacy measures. Better data practices make for better organisations that patients trust. Health professionals can educate patients about the importance of data privacy in healthcare, empowering them to understand more about privacy policies, encryption methods, and data storage practices.
As eHealth and telemedicine continue to advance, the significance of data privacy will only increase. Data privacy is no longer solely a legal requirement, it is a strength: for patient health data, for better internal practices against data breaches, and for patient trust.