Increased electronic information sharing by sexual health services: Confidentiality and consent

New Zealand is moving towards an integrated health-care model with information accessible electronically regardless of location, linking existing health provider systems, regional clinical results repositories and a shared care record. However, such information sharing has been a major concern for p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health informatics journal 2014-03, Vol.20 (1), p.3-12
Main Authors: Hunter, Inga, Haining Ede, Gael, Whiddett, Richard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Access to information
Access to Information - psychology
Accessibility
Adolescent
Adult
Attitude
Confidentiality - psychology
Consents
Data exchange
Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures
Disclosure
Electronics
Female
Health
Health services
Humans
Information Management
Informed consent
Joining
Male
Medical Records Systems, Computerized - organization & administration
New Zealand
Patients
Privacy
Repositories
Reproductive Health Services - organization & administration
Residence Characteristics
Sexuality
Socioeconomic Factors
Systems Integration
Young Adult
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Summary:New Zealand is moving towards an integrated health-care model with information accessible electronically regardless of location, linking existing health provider systems, regional clinical results repositories and a shared care record. However, such information sharing has been a major concern for patients attending sexual health services. In this study, we investigated patient attitudes towards a change in practice to support an integrated care model. Outcomes showed that confidentiality remains a significant concern, and routine sharing of patient information may create barriers to attendance for some, leading to a potential increase in untreated infections. We conclude that sexual health services may be able to change their information management practices to an opt-out consent system and routinely share health information with other health providers, but further public discussion to ensure informed consent is needed before this can happen. Regardless of national policy, it is still necessary to keep clinic visit details confidential for some patients attending sexual health services.
ISSN:1460-4582
1741-2811
DOI:10.1177/1460458212475140