Evaluate the measures needed to ensure privacy and confidentiality of personal health information when using big data in healthcare. Consider both system-level and individual-level protections in your response. (8 marks)
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Evaluation Statement
- The measures for ensuring privacy and confidentiality of health information are partially effective, showing strong technical protections but limited human-level implementation.
System-Level Security Measures
- System-level protections strongly meet security requirements through comprehensive technical safeguards.
- Evidence supporting this includes data encryption that makes information unreadable to unauthorised users, access controls and regular security audits.
- The evidence indicates that these measures create robust barriers against cyber threats. A critical strength is the multiple layers of protection including clear breach response plans.
- These technical measures prove highly effective in preventing unauthorised access.
Individual Control and Education
- Individual-level protections only partially fulfil privacy requirements.
- While informed consent and withdrawal rights exist for systems like My Health Record, the effectiveness remains limited as there is insufficient public awareness about data security and individual rights.
- For example, while two-step authentication provides superior personal security, public education on this security measure is limited.
- Overall, the evidence demonstrates inadequate human understanding of privacy measures.
Final Evaluation
- Weighing these factors, the privacy protection of Australians’ health care data is technically strong, but shows limitations in its practical implementation.
- The overall evaluation demonstrates that comprehensive privacy requires equal focus on both system and human elements.
- The implication is that Australia needs enhanced education programs alongside its existing robust technical measures.
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Evaluation Statement
- The measures for ensuring privacy and confidentiality of health information are partially effective, showing strong technical protections but limited human-level implementation.
System-Level Security Measures
- System-level protections strongly meet security requirements through comprehensive technical safeguards.
- Evidence supporting this includes data encryption that makes information unreadable to unauthorised users, access controls and regular security audits.
- The evidence indicates that these measures create robust barriers against cyber threats. A critical strength is the multiple layers of protection including clear breach response plans.
- These technical measures prove highly effective in preventing unauthorised access.
Individual Control and Education
- Individual-level protections only partially fulfil privacy requirements.
- While informed consent and withdrawal rights exist for systems like My Health Record, the effectiveness remains limited as there is insufficient public awareness about data security and individual rights.
- For example, while two-step authentication provides superior personal security, public education on this security measure is limited.
- Overall, the evidence demonstrates inadequate human understanding of privacy measures.
Final Evaluation
- Weighing these factors, the privacy protection of Australians’ health care data is technically strong, but shows limitations in its practical implementation.
- The overall evaluation demonstrates that comprehensive privacy requires equal focus on both system and human elements.
- The implication is that Australia needs enhanced education programs alongside its existing robust technical measures.