Use, transmission, and storage of electronic data

Confidentiality issues surrounding electronic data are addressed in the by the Data Protection Act (1998). This regulates the processing of information ('data' - electronic or not) including its collection, storage, and disclosure that could result in an individual's identification⁵.

In order to protect the confidentiality of patients in the electronic environment, the GMC has listed some recommendations.

To ensure the protection of confidentiality in an electronic environment the General Medical Council (GMC) recommends that doctors should:

Make appropriate security arrangements for the storage and transmission of personal information.
Obtain and record professional advice given prior to connecting to a network.
Ensure that all equipment, such as computers, are in a secure area.
Be aware that e-mails can be intercepted.

References

Beauchamp and Childress. 1979 The Principles of biomedical ethics.
Sidaway v. Bethlem Royal Hospital (1984) All Engl Law Rep. Feb 23;[1984] 1:1018-36.
Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Area Health Authority. 19884 All Engl Law Rep. 1984 Nov 19-Dec 20 (date of decision);1985(1):533-59.
General Medical Council (UK). Ethical guidance: Confidentiality. October 2009.
http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/confidentiality.asp
Beauchamp TL, Childress JF. Principles of biomedical ethics, 5th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2001.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/NotificationsOfInfectiousDiseases/ListOfNotifiableDiseases/
W v. Egdell. All Eng Law Rep. 1989 Nov 9;[1990] 1:835-53.
Her Majesty's Stationery Office (UK). The Data Protection Act (1998). 1998
http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1998/19980029.htm
General Medical Council (UK). Confidentiality: Protecting and Providing Information. September 2000 .
http://www.gmc-uk.org/standards/secret.htm