Abstract
Technology provides convenience and efficiency in various aspects, including healthcare. This paper discusses the safe use of smartphones for healthcare workers, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of technology. Additionally, it explores the importance of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in safeguarding patient privacy and regulating the transmission and maintenance of healthcare information.
The HIPAA law consists of two major parts: the patient section, which protects medical privacy and ensures insurance portability, and the healthcare provider section, which governs the management and exchange of patient information. Adhering to HIPAA regulations is crucial in maintaining patient confidentiality and upholding ethical standards in healthcare.
NR 360 Information Systems in Healthcare
is a law that safeguards patients’ identity and personal information in the healthcare field. It protects sensitive details such as name, date of birth, telephone number, and home address. HIPAA ensures the security and privacy of patient’s health records, particularly in the electronic exchange of healthcare documents. Additionally, it establishes guidelines on how patient information and care should be discussed within hospital premises to maintain confidentiality.
I chose the scene where I received a text from a coworker the following day informing me about an ongoing investigation at work. The hospital directors discussed a HIPAA violation involving a celebrity patient who had been admitted the previous night. It is rumored that legal action is being taken against the hospital because unauthorized pictures of the celebrity were taken and leaked to the Gossip Gazette. I started to worry because I had taken photos of the star to show a friend. However, upon contacting my friend, she denied leaking the pictures.
NR 360 Information Systems in Healthcare
Knowing that neither she nor I sold the pictures to the Gossip Gazette relieved me. As I searched through my workbag, I realized my cell phone was missing, and I began to suspect that someone at work might have taken it and leaked the pictures. I regretted not double-checking that my phone was in my bag, and, in hindsight, I should never have taken those pictures or sent them to my friend. My actions have caused trouble not only for myself but also for my workplace.
Smartphone use in the medical field presents both opportunities and challenges. However, the benefits can be compromised if abuse and excessive use are not addressed. Cell phones pose distractions and security risks in the workplace, necessitating reinforcing policies regarding their use. It is essential to establish rules regarding the presence of personal cell phones and their usage at specific times and locations. Patient privacy should never be violated without obtaining their full consent, and individuals responsible for releasing private information should be held accountable for their actions.
NR 360 Information Systems in Healthcare
Reflecting on the scenario, I take full responsibility for my actions as a nurse. I was wrong to take pictures of the celebrity patient without their consent. To make amends, I will approach my charge nurse and honestly explain the situation, fully aware that this may result at the end of my employment at the hospital. I will admit that I took the pictures and clarify that I inadvertently left my cell phone at work, which someone found and used to leak the photos to the Gossip Gazette. I acknowledge that I have violated the HIPAA rules that follow.
The use of smartphones in the medical field presents both advantages and disadvantages. One significant disadvantage is the potential breach of patient privacy and confidentiality. Instances such as taking pictures or texting patient information can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data. This aligns with the scenario and its consequences. Additionally, smartphones can be a significant source of distraction. In the given system, the nurse’s focus shifted to taking pictures instead of attending to the patient’s needs, which could lead to medical errors and jeopardize patient safety. Addressing these concerns, Tran (2016) emphasizes the need to address the threat to patient confidentiality posed by the use of unsecured communication devices like smartphones in clinical settings.
NR 360 Information Systems in Healthcare
One advantage of using smartphones in healthcare is quick access to medical information. Hospitals often provide assigned smartphones to healthcare professionals, promoting efficient communication and maintaining privacy. Instead of constantly going back to the nurse station, nurses can conveniently check emails and receive patient orders on their smartphones. Similarly, doctors can view test results and images remotely, allowing faster decision-making and improved collaboration with nurses. Smartphones also serve as valuable tools for healthcare professionals, offering access to medical dictionaries and other practical applications. Importantly, these phones are dedicated to work-related tasks only, and their usage is monitored by staff to ensure compliance.
Summary
In summary, while smartphones can be helpful in the medical field, they can also be distracting and lead to severe consequences. Engaging with a phone while caring for a patient increases the risk of errors, such as incorrect documentation or medication administration. So to avoid unnecessary distractions. Respecting HIPAA regulations is paramount, ensuring that patient health records remain confidential. Taking photos of individuals without their consent violates their rights and constitutes an ethical violation. When dealing with high-profile patients, such as celebrities leaking their information to social media or the press.
References
The HIPPA privacy rule, The US Department of Health and Human Services, 2016. Retrieved from:
http://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html
Top 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Technology in Hospitals. (2013, April 30). Retrieved March 16, 2017, from
Tran, K., Morra, D., Lo, V., Quan, S. D., Abrams, H., & Wu, R. C.
10.2196/jmir.3138
