Data collection in a computer

Computerized database collection is commonly known as collection of large amount of data in a computer. The information collected can be organized to enable expansion, updating and retrieving for different uses. The collection of this information is organized in such a way that it can be retrieved in pieces form the organized automated system. In the medical field, the information collected concerning patients, process of treatment and other medical activities that are happening in a given medical facility.

1. Should corrections be dated and time-stamped?

Collections are any amendments done on any filed record. In any medical activity, the alteration of any filed procedure may cause severe consequences, therefore, any collection made should be dated and time stamped. This will help in understanding the procedure that was initially followed and the preferred procedure which in turn will even show the time and the date the amendments were done. The dating and stamping time is therefore required incase of any collections.

2. When should the patient be advised of the existence of computerized databases containing medical information about the patient?

The patient should be informed of the existence of a computerized database containing their information as soon as possible. This will help the patient in making decision as to whether his information should be disclosed or should remain anonymous. Informing the patient of existence of computerized database will help in safe guarding the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality. Informing the patients about the existence of the system will avoid any conflict of interest between the patients and the medical practitioners in future.

3. When should the patient be notified of purging of archaic or inaccurate information?

Purging is referred to as clearing of any unwanted information. When such information is noticed in the database, the patient and the medical practitioners should be notified before any action is taken. After their notification, the information should be replaced with accurate information and again they should be notified of the action taken. This will helps in safe guard the right of information in regard to their medical process.

4. When should the computerized medical database be online to the computer terminal?

Online information is the information that can accessed through internet regardless of location and the necessity of information to the reader. The patient’s information should only be available online with the consent of the patient and full information has been fully credited by the patient and the concerned physicians. The information should be clear and should not violate any right. This will help in conveying any intended information to any interested party. (Jaeho & Barley 2003)

5. When the computer service bureau destroys or erases records, should the erasure be verified by the bureau to the physician?

Should the computer service bureau erase any stored record, the information deleted should be verified by the bureau to the physician. The patient and the physician have the right to know any little alteration on any record. This will help in knowing what information has been erased and what significance it has as far as patient’s medical process is concerned. Verification of the erased data will help in fixing or replacing the data with appropriate information.

6. Should individuals and organizations with access to the databases be identified to the patient?

The patient has all the rights to know who have an access to his/her information and why. This will for the respect of the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality. The patient has the right to restrict or allow his/her information disclosed to the third party or a court order may allow or restrict if the patient is not in a position to act. The respect of personal information should be practiced and thus only the involved party has the authority over the information.

7. Does the AMA ethics opinion mention encryption as a technique for security?

The computerized data systems have a compromising information security. The AMA opinion is that “there should be controlled access to the computerized database via security procedures such as encoding, passwords, and other user identification including scan able badges”. Confidentiality agreements should be made with other health-care professionals whom the office networks with. Encryption is recommended if the network entails public channels of communication such as radio waves, telephone wires, and microwaves. This will increase the chances of information confidentiality. (Jerome, 2001),

8. What does the ethics opinion say about disclosure by recipients of authorized data to third parties?

According to the ethics opinion, disclosure of confidential medical information from the data base should be limited to the particular purpose for which the information is demanded. Nevertheless, authorized release of medical information to them does not warrant their further disclosure of the data to other individuals or organizations, or consequent use of the data for other reasons. Any person or organization found guilt of this offence; it may be obscured from accessing any further information and could be charged in court for violation of patient’s right to privacy.

Reference:

Jaeho, L. & Barley, M. (2003),Intelligent Agents and Multi-agent Systems: 6th Pacific Rim International Workshop on Multi-Agents, PRIMA, Seoul, Korea,

Jerome, C. (2001), Electronic Medical Records: A Guide for Clinicians and Administrators. American College of Physicians–American Society of Internal Medicine. ACP Press,

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