Cloud Computing and Health Information Privacy.

With the ABC program on Cloud Computing last week I have been alerted to the potential uses and abuses of this approach in the broad. Others seem to have also noticed as the following appeared a few days ago.

Cloud computing puts your health data at risk

By Stuart J. Johnston

The advent of "in the cloud" medical records services, such as Microsoft HealthVault and Google Health, promises an explosion in the storage of personal health-care information online.

But these services pose sticky privacy questions — unless you know how to protect your personal medical records.

A promise of safer personal health data

Your private health information is migrating wholesale onto the public network with the advent of online health-care records stored in massive data centers around the world.

While the services aim to make it easier for consumers to access and manage their personal health information, the ready availability of this data also makes it much easier and less expensive for insurers to put your medical history under the microscope.

Surprised? You shouldn't be. You voluntarily grant access to that sensitive information every time you sign a waiver so that your health insurer can decide whether to pay for a doctor's visit, a prescription, or an expensive medical test.

What's more, most of the gathering and collating of this information is legal. In fact, the number of companies that have access to this information runs into the millions, say privacy advocates.

As recently as last year, only 1% to 3% of U.S. consumers had electronic versions of their health records, according to market research firm Health Industry Insights, an IDC company.

That is about to change.

The fact that two of the biggest players in the emerging world of cloud computing services — Microsoft and Google — are jumping into that arena with both feet will likely accelerate the shift to online medical records.

Microsoft kicked off the beta test of its HealthVault service almost a year ago, while Google announced its Google Health service last February and launched a beta in May. While both services are still in beta, each company has partnered with large health-care providers for pilot tests: Microsoft with Kaiser Permanente and Google with the Cleveland Clinic.

Much more (including suggestions as to what to do about the threat) here:

http://windowssecrets.com/2008/09/18/03-Cloud-computing-puts-your-health-data-at-risk

This is a useful discussion of the issues – albeit from a slightly American perspective – and needs to be browsed by all those contemplating the future of PHRs and how they may be best delivered. From the ‘cloud’ may not be the ideal way.

The ABC talk and transcript on the topic is still available here:

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2008/2359128.htm

The .mp3 file will only be available for a couple more weeks so grab it now if you want to listen.

David.