The security of patient identifiable information in doctors' homes.
Ethically and legally doctors bear a responsibility to ensure the security of patient identifiable information in their possession. Many doctors, especially those in forensic medicine, hold paper or computerised medical records at home. This survey was conducted to assess the level of security for these records and awareness of the issues. Fifty-six forensic physicians (30 male, 26 female) answered a questionnaire.


RESULTS
Eighty-nine percent used a computer to write patient notes and reports, but only 26 of these were on the Data Protection Register, and only 24 password-protected their files. Few doctors took steps to protect data on old computers they had stopped using. Of those responding, 88% held paper records at home but only of these had lockable filing cabinets. Burglar alarms were fitted in 77% of homes, yet 36% of homes had been burgled. No participants had written instructions for disposal of records and reports after their death. Older participants were more likely to have been burgled, yet less likely to have antiviral software than their younger counterparts. Participants expressed the need for information, education and training in data security.
McLean
Iain
I
Academic Unit of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Reproductive Healthcare, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. iain.mclean@cmmc.nhs.uk
Anderson
C Mary
CM
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003219:Confidentiality; D003415:Crime / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D044707:Forensic Sciences; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012637:Security Measures; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom