Why is ethical commitment a must for patient data confidentiality in digital age?

Axios International Column

To ensure confidentiality of patient information and quality care, it is essential to have clear regulations, an ethical commitment from all stakeholders involved, and a patient-centered approach to be able to move towards a safe, equitable and reliable health system in the digital age.

By Eric Gaxiola

While technology has significantly improved the healthcare sector, it has also presented significant challenges in terms of privacy and security, especially with regards to patient data. Nowhere is this more evident than in healthcare, where the confidentiality of patient information is not just a legal mandate but an ethical one.

As the sector evolves, it faces unprecedented challenges in ensuring the privacy and security of patient data, necessitating a commitment to ethical practices and robust regulations. To ensure confidentiality of patient information and quality care, it is essential to have clear regulations, an ethical commitment from all stakeholders involved, and a patient-centered approach to be able to move towards a safe, equitable and reliable health system in the digital age.

In an increasingly connected world, privacy and security of personal data have become of vital importance. In the health sector, where confidentiality is essential, the question of who’s responsible for the patient data – the patients themselves, the health institution or both – continues to generate debate. Although the patients are the owners of their disease, are they also the owners of their records?

Market access

This topic was discussed in a recently held webinar titled, “What Patient Confidentiality Looks Like in Practice,” organized by Axios International, a pioneering access to healthcare (consulting) company that has been at the forefront of market access for over 25 years.

As technology advances and is integrated into healthcare, there is a need to adapt to new regulations that effectively protect sensitive patient information. Dr. Juana Inés Navarrete Martínez, a specialist in genetics and coordinator of Genetics at the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), stresses that the field of genetics presents unique challenges in this regard. She says that more and more people have access to their genetic information, raising critical questions about how to ensure privacy and ethical use of this data. This dilemma highlights the importance of updating medical practices and adjusting them to the regulations that emerge to protect the patient.

On the other hand, the implementation of advanced healthcare technologies, such as electronic health records, has revolutionized the way medical information is stored and accessed. Carlos Salazar Gaytán, president of the National Association of Health Providers (ANAPS), emphasizes that these technologies also introduce new security risks such as cyberattacks. Protecting patient data is not only a matter of privacy, but also of trust and security in the healthcare system, he opines. Thus, healthcare institutions must adopt robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard this critical information.

Improving healthcare quality

“We have served over 9.5 million patients worldwide and all patients participating in our initiatives around the globe give their consent before starting any treatment within Axios-managed programs,” says Silvia Méndez, Country Operations Lead in Mexico at Axios International.

However, the responsibility of safeguarding patient data cannot rest solely on the shoulders of healthcare providers. Collaboration across sectors is essential. Méndez emphasizes that healthcare professionals, administrators, technology developers, lawmakers, and patients must work together to develop innovative solutions that uphold data privacy while improving healthcare quality. Without this collective effort, the system risks falling short in addressing the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

She adds that Axios educates patients about their roles and rights during their treatment journey. “We have also integrated effective digital healthcare applications from the Axios+ digital ecosystem, allowing patients to access their treatment and navigate the health system faster and more easily, while ensuring their data and security are protected at every point during their journey,” she says.

Healthcare professionals

Mendez adds that only through a collaborative approach can innovative solutions be developed that protect data and improve the quality of healthcare.

Much remains to be done since technology and regulation are not advancing at the same pace as other industries, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to stay up to date on current regulations and adopt secure technologies that prioritize the protection of patient data. In addition, educating patients about their rights regarding the privacy of their health information is essential to fostering a culture of confidentiality in all healthcare institutions.

The digital age

While technology has brought enormous benefits to the healthcare sector, it also poses significant challenges in terms of privacy and security. Patients have the right to the confidentiality of their information and to quality medical care. Achieving this requires clear and effective regulations, an ethical commitment from all involved, and support from technological advancements. A patient-centered approach that always ensures the protection of privacy and well-being is the only way to move towards a safe, equitable and reliable health system in the digital age.

It’s clear: safeguarding patient data is not just a legal requirement—it’s a moral obligation.

To watch the full webinar, please click here.