Healthcare providers are increasingly turning to mobile units to carry out their work. While the use of smartphones, mobile carts, and medical tablets hold immense benefits for patient care, there is continuing concern about the security of patient information, and the possibly of information being compromised. So many people are still asking the question – ‘Are mobile units safe for patient’s healthcare privacy?’
Mobile units can be made safe for patient information,if healthcare professionals and institutions implement the necessary security controls. Here are some of the best practices that can be employed to safeguard patient healthcare information:
- User authentication: When passwords or passcodes are used to authenticate the user, it safeguards patient data, so that it can only be viewed by those authorized to do so. Locking the mobile unit with a passcode prevents the data from being intercepted by unauthorized personnel.
- Data Encryption: Encrypting data is one of the most important means by which patient information is protected on mobile units. Encryption involves converting data into a format that cannot be read without a decryption key. Most mobile devices are equipped with encryption tools that allow you to encrypt data stored on your device, or sent from your device. Therefore in the event of a data breach,it will be unreadable to the other party, as they do not have the password to decode it.
- Security software: Installing security software on mobile units is another crucial way to protect patient information. Mobile units are susceptible to viruses, and the installation of security programs helps to protect them against malware, and also against hackers.
Onyx healthcare USA, Orange, CA, is a leading provider of mobile units in healthcare. Call714-792-0774 today, for information about the range of PC solutions we supply.