Social computing refers to systems which facilitate basic, social behaviours between people. Behaviours such as gathering and sharing of information is made easier with computers. Australia’s new My Health Record is an online tool which holds a summary of a person’s health information. The scheme plans to help doctors quickly access a patient’s medical information through collaborated knowledge. Recent debate has introduced the concerning question:
‘Will my privacy be protected?’
Impacts on Australian Citizens
Pro: Efficient Health Care Services
Medical professionals have the ability to provide faster services. Having timely access to patient health records can help doctors make accurate diagnoses and provide treatments in life-changing emergencies (Margo 2018). Collated medical information reduces data redundancies. Processes and tasks required for treatment can be narrowed down or eliminated as doctors quickly create a connection with the patient.
Con: Possible Privacy Risks
When data is stored online, there is the potential that data breaches may occur. Medicare card details were sold on the “dark web” last year (Margo 2018). What can an unauthorised person do with your personal information? Can they harm you with this information? To avoid data leakages, personal information is expected to be handled properly. Feelings of trust and safety is at stake as it is difficult to identify who has control of patient data.
Should You Opt-In for My Health Record?
Personally, I believe My Health Record has considerable benefits in the right hands. The public should not have access to private information. There is no reason for other people to be aware of your personal medical details.
It is important to ask ourselves, ‘does having a My Health Record pose a higher risk to my privacy?’
Compare this to your use of social media amongst other platforms which you provide personal information. Sharing thoughts and interests. Signing up for websites and emails. Ever wonder how this data is being collected or what is it used for?
There are essential details to note. You can:
Discuss information you want or don’t want to add to the online record
Cancel your record
The only exception for cancelling your record is that existing data will remain, inaccessible to you and health providers (Bogle 2018). My Health Record also provides a user interaction allowing people to make their own choices.
It’s really up to you to decide. Remember to consider all the facts first!
Reference List
Margo, J 2018, ‘My Health Record: the benefits and risks explained’, Financial Review Lifestyle, 17 July, viewed 12 December 2018, <https://www.afr.com/lifestyle/health/mens-health/my-health-record-the-benefits-and-risks-explained-20180716-h12rk5>
Bogle, A 2018, ‘My Health Record: Your questions answered on cybersecurity, police and privacy’, ABC Science, 13 November, viewed 12 December 2018, <https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-07-15/my-health-record-questions-answers-security-privacy-police/9959622>
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