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LETTERS: J E F Fitzgerald, A Nikkar-Esfahani, A A B Jamjoom, K K Shah, and A G Acheson Let’s put worry about computer security into perspective BMJ 2008; 336: 1452-b-1453-b [Full text]

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And what about confidentiality in hospital?

Peter A West   (28 June 2008)

And what about confidentiality in hospital? 28 June 2008
Peter A West, Senior Research Associate, York Health Economics Consortium University of York Send response to journal: Re: And what about confidentiality in hospital?	Concern with confidentiality of computer records looks even more unbalanced when set against the complete lack of confidential treatment in hospital. Modern hospitals have many departments where, should a neighbour see you enter or leave, the sign over the door will tell them pretty much what is wrong with you. I wonder how many people have discovered each others' cancer treatment in the large waiting areas of radiotherapy units, or by an accidental meeting on a ward. I am much less worried about keeping my medical records away from some distant academic researcher than from acquaintances and neighbours but the latter can see me receiving care if they catch me by chance or design in a "public" hospital. When confidentiality is so low that problems are discussed at booking desks and names routinely called out in public places, there is little real protection for the patient on the ground, whatever the protection in computers. This does not mean that the latter does not matter, only that it needs to be put in a more consistent context of practical care delivery. Only the very rich and famous get really confidential care, I suspect. Competing interests: None declared