Using Lessons from Health Care to Protect the Privacy of Library Users: Guidelines for the De-Identification of Library Data based on HIPAA

While libraries have employed policies to protect the data about use of their services, these policies are rarely specific or standardized. Since 1996 the U.S. healthcare system has been grappling with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which is designed to provide those handling personal health information with standardized, definitive instructions as to the protection of data. In this work, the authors briefly discuss the present situation of privacy policies about library use data, outline the HIPAA guidelines to understand parallels between the two, and finally propose methods to create a de-identified library data warehouse based on HIPAA for the protection of user privacy

Disclosure of Clinical Trial Data: Why Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act Should Be Restored

Clinical trial data generated during the FDA drug approval process can be very valuable. While patients and doctors desperately need this information to make informed choices about medical treatment, drug sponsors strive to keep this resource secret to ensure their ability to profit from their own research. In the wake of the controversy over antidepressant use in children, both the public and Congress have called for the disclosure of all clinical trial data. However, rather than taking an all-or-nothing approach that could harm the development of new drugs, this iBrief argues that Congress should address the issue of trial data disclosure by restoring the proper balance to Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act

Using Lessons from Health Care to Protect the Privacy of Library Users: Guidelines for the De-Identification of Library Data based on HIPAA

While libraries have employed policies to protect the data about use of their services, these policies are rarely specific or standardized. Since 1996 the U.S. healthcare system has been grappling with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which is designed to provide those handling personal health information with standardized, definitive instructions as to the protection of data. In this work, the authors briefly discuss the present situation of privacy policies about library use data, outline the HIPAA guidelines to understand parallels between the two, and finally propose methods to create a de-identified library data warehouse based on HIPAA for the protection of user privacy

Disclosure of Clinical Trial Data: Why Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act Should Be Restored

Clinical trial data generated during the FDA drug approval process can be very valuable. While patients and doctors desperately need this information to make informed choices about medical treatment, drug sponsors strive to keep this resource secret to ensure their ability to profit from their own research. In the wake of the controversy over antidepressant use in children, both the public and Congress have called for the disclosure of all clinical trial data. However, rather than taking an all-or-nothing approach that could harm the development of new drugs, this iBrief argues that Congress should address the issue of trial data disclosure by restoring the proper balance to Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act

Complex Care Management Program Overview - Technology

This report provides an overview of technology based complex care management programs, including:Cook County Health and Hospitals System - Computer Assisted Quality of Life and Symptom Assessment of Complex PatientsUniversity of Missouri - TigerPlaceWenatchee Valley Medical Center - Health Buddy -- Patient Telemonitoring Progra

Navigating Data Warehousing Implementation in Jordanian Healthcare Sector: Challenges and Opportunities

Introduction: The implementation of data warehouse systems offers great potential for improving patient care, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making. This study explores the challenges and opportunities of implementing data storage solutions in the Jordanian healthcare industry. Objectives: To investigate current data management practices, perceptions of data warehouses, and factors influencing adoption readiness among IT professionals in Jordanian healthcare organizations. Methods: A survey was conducted involving 102 IT professionals from various healthcare organizations in Jordan. Participants responded to a structured questionnaire, providing insights into key benefits, expected challenges, technical requirements, and future prospects for data warehousing in their organizations. Results: The study demonstrated the critical role of data warehouses in enhancing decision-making, patient care coordination, and operational efficiency within the Jordanian healthcare system. However, significant challenges such as data integration, security concerns, and regulatory compliance were identified. Conclusions: The paper provides recommendations to address these challenges and maximize the benefits of healthcare data warehouses in Jordan. Key strategies include investing in technical expertise, ensuring compatibility with existing systems, and improving data management practices. This study enhances understanding of the complexities associated with implementing data warehousing in the Jordanian healthcare industry and offers valuable insights for future research and practice in this evolving field

Charting the Legal Environment of Health Information

Over the past several years, increased attention has been focused on the importance of health information to health care quality improvement. The level of focus on health information has increased with the advent of electronic medical records and electronic health information systems designed to facilitate the use of health care data. Although these systems are still in their relative infancy, they hold enormous promise for revolutionizing the availability and use of health information to improve clinical performance, empower employers and consumers to better understand health plan choices and facilitate health claims administration. Their potential has been a catalyst for change in a growing number of communities, with the emergence of private/public partnerships to develop regional health information systems

All-Payer Claims Database Development Manual: Establishing a Foundation for Health Care Transparency and Informed Decision Making

With support from the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center, the APCD Council has developed a manual for states to develop all-payer claims databases. Titled All-Payer Claims Database Development Manual: Establishing a Foundation for Health Care Transparency and Informed Decision Making, the manual is a first-of its-kind resource that provides states with detailed guidance on common data standards, collection, aggregation and analysis involved with establishing these databases