Physicians used Snapchat to send patient information
Snapchat, an app that allows users to send images to each other, might be great for friends to trade funny photos—but it's not something for physicians to transmit patient information. But a recent report from DeepMind Health found physicians were using it to send patient scans to one another.
“The digital revolution has largely bypassed the NHS, which, in 2017, still retains the dubious title of being the world’s largest purchaser of fax machines,” said Julian Huppert, MD, leader of the panel of healthcare experts conducting the report. “Many records are insecure, paper-based systems which are unwieldy and difficult to use. Seeing the difference that technology makes in their own lives, clinicians are already manufacturing their own technical fixes. However, this is clearly an insecure, risky, and non-auditable way of operating, and cannot continue.”
Because of its ease of use, Snapchat poses a unique threat to security. A possible breach of information would put hundreds of patients at risk of having their information shared with others.
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Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.