Associations of practices on security measures, according to different staff characteristics.

<p>Associations of practices on security measures, according to different staff characteristics.</p

Evaluation of Outcome - Decision on new non-exempt and continuing/amended protocols reviewed by FTM-EC, 2010–2013.

<p><i>Note: Excludes 7 studies that are pending decision outcome at data cutoff, and 13 studies withdrawn by PI (for various reasons) or by EC (due to long non-response period).</i></p

Practices in security and confidentiality of HIV/AIDS patients’ information: A national survey among staff at HIV outpatient clinics in Vietnam

<div><p>Introduction</p><p>Breach of confidentiality or invasion of privacy from the collection and use of medical records, particularly those of patients with HIV/AIDS or other diseases sensitive to stigmatization, should be prevented by all related stakeholders in healthcare settings. The main focus of this study was to assess practices regarding security and confidentiality of HIV-related information among staff at HIV outpatient clinics (HIV-OPCs) in Vietnam.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at all 312 HIV-OPCs across the country using an online survey technique.</p><p>Results</p><p>In general, the staff practices for securing and protecting patient information were at acceptable levels. Most staff had proper measures and practices for maintaining data security; however, the protection of patient confidentiality, particularly for data access, sharing, and transfer still required improvement. Most HIV-OPC staff had good or moderate knowledge and positive perceptions towards security and confidentiality issues. Staff who were not trained in the practice of security measures differed significantly from those who were trained (OR: 3.74; 95%CI: 1.44–9.67); staff needing improved knowledge levels differed significantly from those with good (OR: 5.20; 95%CI: 2.39–11.32) and moderate knowledge levels (OR: 5.10; 95%CI: 2.36–11.00); and staff needing improved perception levels differed significantly from those with good (i.e., with 100% proper practices) and moderate perception levels (OR: 5.67; 95%CI: 2.93–10.95). Staff who were not trained in the protection of data confidentiality differed significantly from those who were trained (OR: 2.18; 95%CI: 1.29–3.65).</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Training is an important factor to help raise the levels of proper practices regarding confidentiality and security, to improve knowledge and raise awareness about change among staff. The operation and management of HIV treatment and care in Vietnam are currently transitioning from separate healthcare clinics (HIV-OPC) into units integrated into general hospitals/healthcare facilities. The findings of this study highlight topics that could be used for improving management and operation of information system and revising guidelines and regulations on protection measures/strategies for data security and confidentiality of HIV/AIDS patients by Vietnam health authorities or other countries facing similar situations. Secure infrastructure and secure measures for data access and use are very important, worthwhile investments. The provision of continuous training and active enforcement and monitoring of the practices of healthcare personnel might lead to an improved understanding and acknowledegement of the importance of national policies/guidelines regarding HIV-related patient information.</p></div

Benchmarking FTM-EC performance with selected indicators from AAHRPP-accredited institutes, 2012.

<p>*AAHRPP has compiled an information database from data supplied by 183 client organizations in 2012, <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0113356#pone.0113356-Donabedian1" target="_blank">[40]</a>.</p><p>Benchmarking FTM-EC performance with selected indicators from AAHRPP-accredited institutes, 2012.</p

Evaluation of Structure – IRB workload & number of protocols/documents reviewed, 2010–2013.

<p>Evaluation of Structure – IRB workload & number of protocols/documents reviewed, 2010–2013.</p

IRB Metrics structure-process-outcome model used at FTM-EC.

<p>IRB Metrics structure-process-outcome model used at FTM-EC.</p

Evaluation of Structure – IRB composition and qualifications.

<p>Evaluation of Structure – IRB composition and qualifications.</p

Proportions of security and confidentiality practices.

<p>Proportions of security and confidentiality practices.</p

Characteristics of survey respondents (N = 400).

<p>Characteristics of survey respondents (N = 400).</p

Evaluation of Process – Timeliness of protocol review, 2010–2013.

<p>Note:</p>a<p>Excludes 14 studies in 2010–2012 (6 withdrawn by investigator due to internal study team matters; 8 terminated by the Ethics Committee due to very long delay/non-response after notification).</p>b<p>Excludes 41 studies that required no revision.</p>C<p>Includes all new non-exempt study submissions.</p>d<p>Some studies were amended more than once.</p><p>Evaluation of Process – Timeliness of protocol review, 2010–2013.</p