title: Use of medical information by computer networks raises major concerns about privacy.
abstract: The development of computer data-bases and long-distance computer networks is leading to improvements in Canada's health care system. However, these developments come at a cost and require a balancing act between access and confidentiality. Columnist Michael OReilly, who in this article explores the security of computer networks, notes that respect for patients' privacy must be given as high a priority as the ability to see their records in the first place.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: OReilly
mesh_terms: D002961:Civil Rights; D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D008490:Medical Informatics; D008499:Medical Records