Risks of Computer Networking in Healthcare

Computers have changed how the medical profession does its job and how medical professionals chart medical findings . Instead of notes kept on paper charts, nurses check a computerized system that brings together all aspects of the patient's history, medical procedures and medicines. Despite the benefits, computer networking can bring very real risks in healthcare.

Security

• Security is important in the health care industry. Patients need to know that their medical records are secure and not available for checking out by just anyone who wishes to know. For celebrities, government and business leaders, this includes the media. Even the best security efforts do not eliminate the risks of computer networking in health care. Someone may inadvertently leave a file open. A hacker might get into the system or an employee might be bribed for a password. Security can be breached when personal do not strictly follow safety protocols, or if the networking health care computer system is entered through a public or otherwise unsecured computer.

Theft

• When medical records consisted of paper formats, a thief who wished to steal medical records had to physically go to a file room, usually locked, break in and go through files and files of medical records. With the networking of health care computer systems, a thief doesn't need to go near the medical facility that holds the patient records. If a thief can discover a flaw in the security system, that thief can steal all the records with a few keystrokes. Many health care computer systems network not just with computers in their own medical facility but with other medical facilities around the city, state and nation. If one facility's networked computer system is breached, others might also be breached.

Power Outages

• While power outages might pose an inconvenience for medical facilities that primarily rely on a paper record- keeping system, computer networking health care record systems are at grave risk when the lights go out. Most facilities have back up generators, but these power critical systems and only for a limited amount of time. A power outage means doctors in a critical phase of an operation, might not be able to access vital patient information. Unexpected power outages may also damage files in the computer networking health care system, while files not yet backed up might be completely lost.

Incorrect Data Entry

• At any time, regardless of method used for record keeping, human-error may create incorrect data. Such a problem in a paper-based system would be localized to a particular chart. But when computers are networked throughout a health care system, even a small error of patient data is magnified with all medical personnel in the system basing treatment on a mistake. Such an error could mean incorrect medical treatment or medicines. Such a system-wide error might cause refusal of insurance benefits.