Health information privacy in the Philippines: Trends and challenges in policy and practice.
- Author:
Antonio Carl Abelardo T.
;
Patdu Ivy D.
;
Marcelo Alvin B.
- Publication Type:Journal Article, Original
- MeSH: Human; Privacy; Confidentiality; Delivery Of Health Care; Telemedicine
- From: Acta Medica Philippina 2016;50(4):223-236
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
CONTEXT: Evolution of the scope and context of privacy and confidentiality brought about by use of information and communications technology in healthcare.
OBJECTIVE: To review the legal, professional and ethical landscape of health information privacy in the Philippines.
METHODOLOGY: Systematic review of literature and policy frameworks.
RESULTS: Philippine laws jurisprudence recognize and protect privacy of health information as a general rule; impose upon individual practitioners and institutions the obligation to uphold such right; and may apply in both the traditional and eHealth milieu. There is no existing policy framework that addresses issues relating to [a] access to health information by non-health professionals, [b] use of health information for non-health purposes, and [c] rules relating to collection, storage and utilization of electronically-derived or -stored information. A privacy culture, on either the provider's or client's side, is also lacking in the country.
CONCLUSION: Technological developments have outpaced policy and practice. There is a need to unify the patchwork of regulations governing the privacy of health information; advocate for a privacy culture among professionals and patients alike; fortify the evidence base on patient and provider perceptions of privacy; and develop and improve standards and systems to promote health information privacy at the individual and institutional levels.