Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research. Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives. Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library. Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research. Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings. Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.
Health information technology is continually changing and evolving. A common trend within healthcare is the movement towards implementing an electronic health record (EHR) (Koontz, 2015). An EHR is a platform which will encompass patient records electronically, however, this creates conflict among various ethical principles (Layman, 2008). With the implementation of an EHR, resides the requirements to ensure that privacy of patient records and information is maintained. To provide further context, in a discussion with a practitioner, it is assumed the highest degree of confidentiality is maintained. However, once this information is placed into an EHR, it is questionable whether boundaries are dissolved as information and charts are accessible by other practitioners (Croll, 2010).
The American Medical Informatics Association provides a code of ethics for practitioners to ensure ethical conduct (Peterson et al., 2018). The code references the use of health information technology and includes the expectations of members. Potential liabilities can be identified in multiple principles. Members are accountable to report issues regarding patient information and systems that could lead to a breech in privacy. This requires the nurse to be responsible for one’s own actions and to be knowledgeable regarding information technology (IT) and reporting processes. Furthermore, a nurse is responsible to ensure they are protecting patient health information. This refers to accessing, storage, and oral communication of patient data. Finally, nurses are responsible to understand given technology and should note limitations and access resources as needed.
To improve the above-mentioned potential liabilities, the education of staff should be considered. Staff should be aware of reporting procedures and be knowledgeable regarding how to access IT if needed. Education should also be provided regarding organizational policies and procedures that refer to privacy standards (Croll, 2010). Staff should understand their requirements when accessing patient charts that include confidential healthcare information. Information technology departments should complete random audits that provides data regarding personnel who are accessing charts. Staff should be aware that they are only to access information for those patients who are within their circle of care (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2019). Finally, it is beneficial to have trained super-users who have a good grasp of the EHR system so that they can support those who do not.
References
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2019). Practice Standard: Confidentiality and Privacy – Personal
Health Information. Retrieved from
https://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/prac/41069_privacy.pdf
Croll, P. (2010). Privacy, security and access with sensitive health information. Studies in Health
Technology and Informatics, 151, 167-175.
Layman, E. (2008). Ethical Issues and the Electronic Health Record. Health Care Manager, 27,