With the increase of health information technology used to store and access patient information, the likelihood of security breaches has also risen. In fact, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ):

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What strategies can you use to protect electronic patient information?

Security of patient electronic health data can be achieved by a number of strategies, including individual access and correction, accessibility and transparency, personal choice, limitations on collection, use and disclosure, the integrity and quality, safety and safeguards as well accountability. The health information technology has made protecting patient privacy difficult. To protect patient privacy, there should be measures to ensure that an individual’s health information is protected. These measures may include the implementation of reasonable administrative, technological, and physical safeguards in order to protect confidentiality, integrity and availability, as well as to prevent unauthorised or inappropriate use, access or disclosure. It is important to have auditing procedures in place that ensure principles are adhered to. This will prevent breaches. Nursing staff have a duty to protect the privacy of patients. Strategies that nurses can use include organizing educational sessions on how to do this, monitoring the computer workstations or requiring everyone who enters the facility to sign the privacy and confidential statement. Workstations can be configured in such a manner that they address issues related to information sharing.