Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine healthcare services without the support from IT technologies, although their usage may be impaired due to knowledge gaps. Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) is one of the methods of dealing with the lack of familiarity with implemented IT systems (Wani et al., 2020). While there are benefits in using this approach, there are defects that can sabotage the privacy of data in an entire facility due to the lack of appropriate security policies. First of all, not all devices are fit to be used for BYOD due to the lack of technical capabilities to ensure data safety (Wani et al., 2020). Improper device locking mechanisms can potentially allow unauthorized access to private information. Some communication methods, such as SMS, are also invalid for professional communication due to their inherent publicity and insufficient data encryption (Wani et al., 2020). These sources of vulnerability must be correctly identified and explained to personnel prior to allowing them to use their devices for work-related conversations.
To fix any of these issues, I would start with ensuring that managerial personnel upholds the standards of data security and privacy. It is up to team leaders to explain to nurses that communication channels have to be protected at all times. Awareness regarding common pitfalls is the primary line of defense against data leaks. For example, it will be crucial to make the usage of applications, such as Facebook or Twitter, that are deemed unsafe to be prohibited for professional conversations. I will also consult with IT specialists about selecting an app suitable for sharing private data. In conclusion, the potential of BYOD is often undermined by the lack of control over what devices and applications are used, as well as how they are used.
Reference
Wani, T. A., Mendoza, A., & Gray, K. (2020). Hospital bring-your-Own-Device security challenges and solutions: Systematic review of gray literature. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(6), e18175. Web.