Toward Proper Authentication Methods in Electronic Medical Record Access Compliant to HIPAA and C.I.A. Triangle.

This paper examines various methods encompassing the authentication of users in accessing Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). From a methodological perspective, multiple authentication methods have been researched from both a desktop and mobile accessibility perspective. Each method is investigated at a high level, along with comparative analyses, as well as real world examples. The projected outcome of this examination is a better understanding of the sophistication required in protecting the vital privacy constraints of an individual's Protected Health Information (PHI). In understanding the implications of protecting healthcare data in today's technological world, the scope of this paper is to grasp an overview of confidentiality as it pertains to information security. In addressing this topic, a high level overview of the three goals of information security are examined; in particular, the goal of confidentiality is the primary focus. Expanding upon the goal of confidentiality, healthcare accessibility legal aspects are considered, with a focus upon the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). With the primary focus of this examination being access to EMRs, the paper will consider two types of accessibility of concern: access from a physician, or group of physicians; and access from an individual patient.

Recurrent events in transient ischemic attack and minor stroke: what events are happening and to which patients?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The risk of a recurrent stroke after transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is high. Clinical trials are needed to assess acute treatment options in these patients. We sought to evaluate the type of recurrent events and to identify which subsets of patients are at risk for recurrent events. METHODS: One hundred and eighty patients with TIA or minor stroke were examined within 12 hours and underwent brain MRI within 24 hours. Any neurological deterioration was recorded, and a combination of clinical and MRI factors were used to create a combined event classification. Subgroups of patients analyzed included classical TIA, patients with NIHSS=0, and patients with NIHSS >0 in ED. RESULTS: Overall there were 38 events in 36 patients (20% event rate); 20 were symptomatic and 18 were silent (only evident because of the follow up MRI). 18/20 (90%) symptomatic events were associated with progression of presenting symptoms, compared to 2/20 (10%) with a clear recurrent stroke distinct from the original event. We found a low risk of recurrent stroke among classical definition TIA patients (1.1%). Patients with an NIHSS=0 in the ED, had an intermediate event rate (6.6%) between TIA (classical - 1.1%) and NIHSS >0 (14.4%; chi(2) test for trend, P=0.02). All clinical categories of patient (TIA, stroke, NIHSS=0) accumulated silent lesions on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Most events were classified as stroke progression or infarct growth rather than a recurrent stroke. A low risk of recurrence was found in patients with classical TIA and those with no neurological deficits on initial assessment.

Challenges associated with privacy in health care industry: implementation of HIPAA and the security rules.

This paper discusses the challenges associated with privacy in health care in the electronic information age based on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Security Rules. We examine the storing and transmission of sensitive patient data in the modem health care system and discuss current security practices that health care providers institute to comply with HIPAA Security Rule regulations. Based on our research results, we address current outstanding issues that act as impediments to the successful implementation of security measures and conclude the discussion and offer possible avenues of future research.

Toward efficient medication error reduction: error-reducing information management systems.

Hospitals and other health-care providers today are being pressed more than ever to use technologies for reducing medical errors. Particularly, medication errors are likely to increase fast as Americans age. This paper intends to provide a starting point for understanding information technologies and database systems supporting such technologies as Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE), Automated Dispensing System (ADS), and Bar Coding System designed to reduce medication errors in hospitals. Although vendors provide the necessary communication software and applications, actions involving governments, technology vendors, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical researchers are needed to put to actual use the applications with a massive potential to significantly reduce medication-related errors.