Information security is an essential element of a high-quality healthcare delivery system, and there are different safeguards used in medical facilities to prevent a breach of information. One example of a security system is Cerner, used to protect information at the facility where I work as an operating room nurse. Overall, I believe that this system is safe and reliable because it involves a wide range of safety measures taken to ensure the highest level of security and confidentiality.
Three security measures can be identified that are used as part of the Cerner software to protect patient information at my workplace. First, this system allows “supporting confidentiality with protected accessibility”, as it prevents patient data from being released to others without that patient’s permission (Latifi, 2018, p. 25). Second, clinicians can use it as a measure to connect various databases to facilitate the networking processes (Latifi, 2018). Finally, the third security measure that is used as a part of the Cerner software is barcode-assisted medication administration, which allows health professionals to prevent errors related to the distribution of medication.
Despite the use of an advantageous system, there remains a certain number of security threats. One of the major threats is ransomware, which can be defined as a type of malware that encrypts files to further attempt and “extort money in return for the key to unlocking the data by demanding a ransom” (Tewfik & Whitehead, 2021, p. 1). Another threat that is still present at my workplace is represented by data breaches. While security software is constantly developed to minimize the risks posed by these threats, data breaches are still common in healthcare.
References
Latifi, S. (2018). Information technology – New generations: 15th International Conference on information technology. Springer.
Tewfik, G., & Whitehead, V. (2021). Ransomware attacks on healthcare facilities present unique challenges for anesthesiology.Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, 74(2), 1-2.