title: The digital revolution.
abstract: Digital image technology has advanced considerably in recent years and it has never been simpler to capture digital images or send them around the world. This new technology can bring tremendous benefits to healthcare but, if used inappropriately, will compromise patient confidentiality and increase the risk of litigation to the health providers. It is now time to assess the risks and agree safeguards which will promote the safe use of digital technology in the healthcare environment.
authors.affiliation: Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Greenock.
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Blain
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mackay
mesh_terms: D016494:Computer Security; D003219:Confidentiality; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D007258:Informed Consent; D016365:Liability, Legal; D010338:Pathology, Clinical; D010781:Photography / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017751:Safety Management; D006113:United Kingdom