Bug Tag-3 WC Blog 431
Tablet theft -5
Emergency Room Revolution From Paper To Computer Tablets; Protection Of Patient Information Must Be A Priority By Using A Bug Tag
It is remarkable to me how things have changed within the medical care industry. I remember a time when I had to take our son to the emergency room because he got a styrofoam pellet from a bean bag chair lodged in his ear. Before I could have an emergency room doctor examine him I had to complete several pages worth of paperwork just to admit him. I had to do the same thing a few years later when he cut open his chin after a spill he took in our double baby stroller. In both instances it bothered me that it seemed there was more concern over getting the paperwork filled out than to see the patient and get him taken care of. A few days ago I had my own visit to the emergency room of the same hospital. There was a stark difference in how I was served some 20+ years later than when we took our son. The paper was one sheet and I was soon taken in to see a doctor. Only a few minutes after that a nurse came by with a computer tablet on a rolling cart and a keyboard and screen and completed my admission paperwork! I didn’t have to sit and fill out all of that cumbersome information myself. Of course, as I looked at the set up I did wonder what would prevent a tablet theft by a dishonest person. I could not see anything that secured the tablet or iPad to the cart.
How can medical tablet theft or iPad theft be prevented in a hospital or clinic? Is it truly a problem to be concerned about? Let’s address the second question first. Medical tablet theft is a concern as it can lead to compromised patient data. To prevent it from occurring a Bug Tag can be attached to a mobile device and an electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestal set up at doorways to those areas you don’t want a tablet to be carried out of. The tag has an adhesive that holds it to the device and a tamper alarm that ensures no one can pry it off and steal the device. The Bug Tag also emits a radio frequency wave that acts in conjunction with the EAS pedestal. When a tagged unit is carried too close to a pedestal an alarm built into the pedestal is set off and personnel can respond and recover the iPad or tablet.
As for the question as to whether a medical tablet theft would be a major concern, it certainly would be. Any stored patient data could be used for fraudulent purposes. Personal information including names, addresses and so on could be on a device and accessible by a hacker. It is possible that extracted information could then be sold or used to create fraudulent identification. If enough patients have their identity stolen a report has to be filed with DHHS and potentially large fines may be levied against the institution. This isn’t strictly a matter of cost to the institution it is a matter of loss of trust on the part of clients.
So back to the medical tablet that was in the emergency room where I had to visit. I provided my information as requested by the nurse. I gave my name, address, age, social security number and date of birth (all of the information a criminal could want, right?). Additionally, I was asked about past surgeries, allergies to medications I might have, any prescriptions or medications I was currently taking and who my family doctor is, if I have one. I thought about the questions and wondered to myself what someone with bad intentions could do with all of that information if they were to get their hands on that tablet. My wondering was cut short when the doctor came in to treat my ailment.
Is my information safe and secure? I have to hope so. From what I observed in that E.R., at first glance it appeared there could be a tablet theft by someone brazen enough to try it. I could be wrong but if a Bug Tag had been on that tablet I would have felt much better about the security of that device and my information.
Get more information on the Bug Tag, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
It is remarkable to me how things have changed within the medical care industry. I remember a time when I had to take our son to the emergency room because he got a styrofoam pellet from a bean bag chair lodged in his ear. Before I could have an emergency room doctor examine him I had to complete several pages worth of paperwork just to admit him. I had to do the same thing a few years later when he cut open his chin after a spill he took in our double baby stroller. In both instances it bothered me that it seemed there was more concern over getting the paperwork filled out than to see the patient and get him taken care of. A few days ago I had my own visit to the emergency room of the same hospital. There was a stark difference in how I was served some 20+ years later than when we took our son. The paper was one sheet and I was soon taken in to see a doctor. Only a few minutes after that a nurse came by with a computer tablet on a rolling cart and a keyboard and screen and completed my admission paperwork! I didn’t have to sit and fill out all of that cumbersome information myself. Of course, as I looked at the set up I did wonder what would prevent a tablet theft by a dishonest person. I could not see anything that secured the tablet or iPad to the cart.
How can medical tablet theft or iPad theft be prevented in a hospital or clinic? Is it truly a problem to be concerned about? Let’s address the second question first. Medical tablet theft is a concern as it can lead to compromised patient data. To prevent it from occurring a Bug Tag can be attached to a mobile device and an electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestal set up at doorways to those areas you don’t want a tablet to be carried out of. The tag has an adhesive that holds it to the device and a tamper alarm that ensures no one can pry it off and steal the device. The Bug Tag also emits a radio frequency wave that acts in conjunction with the EAS pedestal. When a tagged unit is carried too close to a pedestal an alarm built into the pedestal is set off and personnel can respond and recover the iPad or tablet.
As for the question as to whether a medical tablet theft would be a major concern, it certainly would be. Any stored patient data could be used for fraudulent purposes. Personal information including names, addresses and so on could be on a device and accessible by a hacker. It is possible that extracted information could then be sold or used to create fraudulent identification. If enough patients have their identity stolen a report has to be filed with DHHS and potentially large fines may be levied against the institution. This isn’t strictly a matter of cost to the institution it is a matter of loss of trust on the part of clients.
So back to the medical tablet that was in the emergency room where I had to visit. I provided my information as requested by the nurse. I gave my name, address, age, social security number and date of birth (all of the information a criminal could want, right?). Additionally, I was asked about past surgeries, allergies to medications I might have, any prescriptions or medications I was currently taking and who my family doctor is, if I have one. I thought about the questions and wondered to myself what someone with bad intentions could do with all of that information if they were to get their hands on that tablet. My wondering was cut short when the doctor came in to treat my ailment.
Is my information safe and secure? I have to hope so. From what I observed in that E.R., at first glance it appeared there could be a tablet theft by someone brazen enough to try it. I could be wrong but if a Bug Tag had been on that tablet I would have felt much better about the security of that device and my information.
Get more information on the Bug Tag, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
