Electronic Medical Records: Great Idea Or Great Threat To Privacy?

Abstract

The practice of storing health care records in electronic format, rather than the traditional paper, is becoming increasing popular, especially since the advent of legislation that provided a framework for transmission of these data and encouragement to convert.  However, this process is not without challenges and there are significant concerns over how to maintain the security of these data.  On one hand, EMRs are expected to increase efficiency and provide cost savings. On the other hand, they increase the risk to privacy.  This paper discusses both the risks and benefits of EMRs in the current legal framework in order for us to gain a better understanding of these systems. Awareness of the risks will help in building more secure EMRs which may be mandated in most countries.