Awareness about Privacy and Security of Patient Health Information

Privacy and Security of patient health records is a matter of concern in India, as we gradually move from manual to electronic methods of data management in healthcare. Studies on understanding the awareness about privacy and security among healthcare professionals is a method of identifying the preparedness of the healthcare team and knowing their attitude. A cross-sectional study done using a questionnaire survey among 601 healthcare professionals working in private clinics, handling patient health information, in a specific district of Southern India, showed limited awareness about privacy and security of patient health information. The limiting barriers found were mainly insufficient funds to put security measures, inadequate space, shortage of qualified health information professionals and unenforced laws. Concluding, this study definitely calls for directing attention towards creating awareness about Privacy and Security of Patient Health Information handling.