Patient Information Privacy and Security in Ghana: Current Policy and Suggestions for the Future
Social Sciences
Global Information Internship Program
In a world where the future somehow appears to be getting closer, Health Information Technologies (HITs) are an example of technologies that are changing the entire way the healthcare system communicates, and collects and aggregates data. This new efficient model results in more effective treatments based on real health data. HITs have their drawbacks however. Patient’s information is more available to a larger audience. This creates the need for improved policy on patient information security.
This paper specifically focuses on patient information policy in Ghana. Before effectively addressing patient information policy there is background knowledge that needs to be addressed. This paper provides background information on current implementations and research on HITs in Ghana, the inevitable implementation if HITs in Ghana, and the contradictory arguments for the availability of patient information and the need to protect patient’s information. With this background knowledge we will address policy that provides a map for the implementation of HITs in Ghana and compare the future of HITs in Ghana to the policy that protects patient’s information security. By addresses both policies we can identify gaps in patient information security.
Research concludes by recommending the formation of a committee comprised of government bodies as well as private organizations to create a coordinated coherent policy on patient information security. To ensure the policy stays relevant policy on HIT implementation in Ghana needs to be updated to include the innovative health technologies that are being implemented in Ghana and to create a more proactive solution to implementing HITs.
