MODULE 7

TITLE

Ensuring Privacy and Security in Digital Health Information

Proposed by BEFUN, Germany

Duration 15 min

Topics

1. Understanding Data Privacy Laws and Regulations

2. Implementing Strong Cybersecurity Measures

3. Patient Consent and Data Sharing Protocols

Key terms 

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act),   GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), Encryption, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Patient Consent

Intro

In the rapidly evolving field of digital health, ensuring the privacy and security of patient information is paramount. This lesson focuses on understanding the legal and technical measures necessary to protect digital health data. Key regulations like HIPAA in the United States and GDPR in the European Union set the standards for data privacy and protection. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures such as encryption and multi-factor authentication is essential to safeguard sensitive information. Additionally, obtaining patient consent and maintaining transparency about data usage is crucial for building trust and ensuring compliance. This lesson provides a comprehensive overview of the critical components needed to secure digital health information effectively.

Resources for educators used: 

Learning games, projector, laptop, electronic board, applications (Mentimeter, Quizlet, polleverywhere), interactive online platforms, fact-checking tools, digital literacy guides, credible health databases, case studies, and educational videos. Digital Literacy Guides, Credible Health Databases, Cybersecurity Best Practices, Risk Assessment Tools,

RESOURCES

1. Government and Regulatory Websites: Refer to official sites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and National Institutes of Health (NIH) for accurate and up-to-date health information and guidelines.

2. Professional Associations: Engage with resources from professional bodies like the American Medical Association (AMA), the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), and the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) for best practices and guidelines.

3. Fact-Checking Organizations: Use tools and resources from established fact-checking organizations such as FactCheck.org, Snopes, and HealthNewsReview.org to verify health information and claims.

4. Academic Journals: Access peer-reviewed academic journals such as The Lancet, JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), and NEJM (New England Journal of Medicine) for verified and reliable research studies.

5. Health Information Technology Tools: Utilize tools like UpToDate, DynaMed, and ClinicalKey which provide evidence-based clinical information and guidelines for healthcare professionals.

6. Cybersecurity Frameworks: Reference frameworks and guidelines from NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) for implementing strong cybersecurity measures in healthcare.

7. Educational Platforms: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer courses on data privacy, cybersecurity, and healthcare information management which can help in understanding the latest practices and technologies.

8. Institutional Review Boards (IRBs): Engage with IRBs for ethical guidelines and approvals required in research, ensuring that all information is gathered and shared responsibly.

9. Digital Literacy Guides: Utilize guides and training from organizations like the Digital Literacy Foundation to enhance understanding of digital tools and ensure responsible management of digital health information.