TECHNOLOGY

Technology



Disadvantages of using the internet to educate patients

Introduction

Internet has become a widely used communication means. It is a common tool for communication between patients and doctors. Technology's fast pace has left dealing with ethical, legal and clinical consequences behind. Legal issues relate to the federal privacy regulations. Ethical issues refer to autonomy and justice. Electronic mail has replaced telephone and standard post mail. Many physicians and patients avail the internet facility because it offers convenience in communication. The advancement in technology has caused all diagnostic images to be acquired as digital signals. Use of internet between patients and physicians has some benefits but offers a few threats too (White, 2002).

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a central point for medical ethics. It has been recognized as a medical privacy by law of Heath Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. One of the major threats from the e-mail is the patient privacy. E-mail is a threat because it can be read by anyone other than the patients and physicians. The accounts and passwords can be shared due to insecurity. The emails can be monitored without informing the sender and receiver. Insecure internet connection can be a threat to hacking. Email between these two heads becomes the medical record and can be discoverable through judicial order. Although the emails are deleted, technical support can have full access to it (Segal, 2009).

Legal Issues

This is discussed under the HIPAA. It discusses that via emails the authenticity, privacy, confidentiality and integrity of the message and the sources should be maintained. Authenticity requires the receiver to identify the sender through proper digital certificate and secure network. Integrity refers that the message should not be altered and should be received as intended (Ellett, 2004).

Negative Online Postings

Due to the internet technology, it is easy to ...