Enhancing security in patient medical information exchange: A qualitative study

IF 3.7 2区医学 Q2 COMPUTER SCIENCE, INFORMATION SYSTEMS

International Journal of Medical Informatics Pub Date : 2025-02-19 DOI:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2025.105841

Aurélia Manns , Thomas Pezziardi , Natacha Kadlub , Anita Burgun , Alban Destrez , Rosy Tsopra

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

The digital transition has changed the practice of exchanging patient medical information between health professionals. Challenges include the involvement of multiple professionals with varying communication styles, the exponential growth of diverse data types, interoperability issues due to non-integrated tools, and heightened security risks stemming from the use of unsecured applications and personal devices.

Here, we aimed to understand how to help health surgeons to better consider security during data exchange.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative research with 20 interviews with surgeons working in wards of several French institutions. The verbatims were analyzed manually by two researchers using an iterative thematic approach, resulting in a framework to improve practitioners’ security awareness.

Results

Our findings emphasize the necessity of a multifaceted strategy, as a single secure application is not sufficient. Effective solutions require combining tailored digital tools with educational initiatives and institutional support. The proposed application must meet specific requirements; and simultaneously, hospitals must provide clear regulations, financial investment, and continuous support to reduce professional constraints.

Conclusion

This study underscores the need for a holistic approach, spanning education, institutional backing, and advanced technology, to enhance data security in healthcare. Future studies could extend our framework by considering other healthcare settings and patient perspectives.

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来源期刊

International Journal of Medical Informatics 医学-计算机：信息系统

CiteScore

8.90

自引率

4.10%

发文量

217

审稿时长

42 days

期刊介绍： International Journal of Medical Informatics provides an international medium for dissemination of original results and interpretative reviews concerning the field of medical informatics. The Journal emphasizes the evaluation of systems in healthcare settings. The scope of journal covers: Information systems, including national or international registration systems, hospital information systems, departmental and/or physician''s office systems, document handling systems, electronic medical record systems, standardization, systems integration etc.; Computer-aided medical decision support systems using heuristic, algorithmic and/or statistical methods as exemplified in decision theory, protocol development, artificial intelligence, etc. Educational computer based programs pertaining to medical informatics or medicine in general; Organizational, economic, social, clinical impact, ethical and cost-benefit aspects of IT applications in health care.