SECURITY IN PERSPECTIVE - LUXURY OR MUST

In this paper, security in health information systems is put into pers pective. The further penetration of information technology into health care is discussed and it is concluded that information systems have a lready become a vital component, not only for the logistics of the hea lth care institution but also for the rendering of care and cure. Heal th care depends heavily on adequate data, so availability and integrit y are equally important. In view of the sensitive nature of many patie nt data, the importance of confidentiality was recognised long before computers were invented. For widespread use of IT in health care it is of vital importance that computers can be trusted in respect of confi dentiality. This paper emphasises the need to pay attention to securit y and suggests a responsible approach with implementation of both tech nical and organisational measures. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland L td. All rights reserved.