(Patient data, confidentiality and electronics)
In editorial in this week's BMJ, Kelly considers the issue of patient confidentiality in light of the ongoing technological advances within the healthcare system. In an appraisal of the Caldicott report (a review of the problem of patient confidentiality within NHS information systems), Kelly identifies some of the difficulties of handling patient data in an electronic age.
Contact:
Dr Grant Kelly, Chair, Joint Computing Group of the General Medical Services Committee and Royal College of General Practitioners, Keynor House, Sidlesham , Chichester, West Sussex gkelly@enterprise.net