Exploring the concepts of privacy and the sharing of sensitive health information

Eman Asiri*, Hanan Asiri, Mowafa Househ

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

People are increasingly sharing their personal information on social networks such as Facebook. Patients, in particular, join online support groups for specific conditions to get support and share their experience with other members of a social media group. Throughout this process, sensitive health information could be shared by group members as a part of this information exchange and privacy concerns can arise as a result. The purpose of this study is to explore various aspects relating to privacy and the sharing of sensitive health information through social media platforms. Our review found that social media such as Facebook already plays a large role in patients' lives as it helps patients to understand their health conditions and gain support from other people who suffer from the same condition. However, there are major concerns for those patients as their privacy and confidentiality can be harmed by improper use of their posted sensitive health information by governments, hospitals or individuals. More importantly, there is an increased need for laws and legislations that protect and empower patients. We recommend that healthcare organizations collaborate with social media software companies and create educational and awareness campaigns on the impacts of sharing sensitive health information through social media.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIntegrating Information Technology and Management for Quality of Care
PublisherIOS Press
Pages161-164
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9781614994220
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event12th International Conference on Informatics, Management, and Technology in Healthcare, ICIMTH 2014 - Athens, Greece
Duration: 10 Jul 201413 Jul 2014

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume202
ISSN (Print)0926-9630
ISSN (Electronic)1879-8365

Conference

Conference12th International Conference on Informatics, Management, and Technology in Healthcare, ICIMTH 2014
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityAthens
Period10/07/1413/07/14

Keywords

  • Facebook
  • Issues
  • Privacy
  • Sensitive health information

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