Session IX centered around information technology innovation in healthcare. In discussing the Smartcard, which has been in use in Asia and Europe for several years but has yet to come to the U.S., Dr. Shahi mentioned Biometrics in healthcare, where fingerprint scans identify an individual's medical history and other confidential information, as an alternative to the Smartcard, which can be stolen, it can break and healthcare facilities may not be able to access the card if it's damaged. Whereas biometrics would be completely private, individualized, and HIPPA compliant.
Biometrics refers to the statistical analysis of biological characteristics, which is applied to provide identification and verification of human characteristics for security purposes. While fingerprint scanning is most prolific in the healthcare industry, the category of biometrics also includes handprints, retinal scans, facial geometry and voice recognition.
A well designed biometric IT solution allows healthcare organizations to protect patient confidentiality, eliminate passwords, lower IT support costs, reduce paper use and fraud and support HIPPA compliance.
Fingerprint biometrics are currently the most widely used form of the technology in healthcare. The fingerprint scanner works by analyzing the position of minutiae, the small unique marks on the finger where the two ridges on the fingertip meet. Fingerprint biometric technology is the least expensive form of the technology at initial cost and is capable of being very accurate and yielding low false acceptance if it is well maintained and personnel are well trained.
According to HealthcareItNews.com, the most extensive use of biometrics is in healthcare, in addition to the finance, military, and security sectors. There has been an impressive adoption rate of the technology in healthcare, driven partly by the push toward shifting to electronic medical records, HIPPA compliance and security issues in healthcare. Furthermore, the adoption of the technology by other sectors, including border patrol and national security has driven prices lower and made it more affordable for the healthcare industry.
Biometrics, if adopted industry wide has the potential for efficient security, patient identity protection and confidentiality, as well as possibly reducing costs and time associated with paper based medical records.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
It's great that you bring up the idea of a smart card, we as a nation are so far behind the rest of the world as far as consolidating all information into one card with all of our most imprerative information.
Hello Emma,
I think the are of biometrics is fascinating and adds a layer of security far above the smart card. Although I know it is done successfully in other countries, I personally would be uncomfortable with having all of my information on a card that could be lost or stolen. Biometrics provides a great alternative and I am in support of using this technology for health care data management.
Post a Comment