Experts criticize data protection gaps in electronic patient files by 2025

Experts criticize data protection gaps in electronic patient files by 2025

According to a report by www.heise.de, the planned introduction of the electronic patient record (ePA) by the end of 2025 is in critical focus. Experts expressed concerns about the structure, security and usefulness of the EHR.

Klaus Reinhardt, President of the German Medical Association, emphasized the importance of structured and granular data for treatment. Granular access management has been criticized for being too granular and complex, which could jeopardize its practicality for those insured. The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) also calls for clear added value for insured persons and smooth application of the ePA.

The planned opt-out regulation at the ePA was welcomed, but concerns were raised about the ability of insured persons to hide or delete data. Interoperability expert Sylvia Thun warned of possible data protection violations and the loss of medical confidentiality.

Furthermore, the introduction of the ePA is criticized as being too short-term, and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds is calling for a delay of half a year. Concerns are also being raised about the rapid approval of digital health applications (DiGAs), as this could lead to significant health and liability risks.

Overall, there is great skepticism and criticism about the planned introduction of the ePA and the increased use of DiGAs.

The possible effects on the market and the financial industry could be diverse. If the introduction of the ePA is postponed or the concerns cannot be addressed, this could lead to uncertainty in the healthcare system. In addition, the critical voices could lead to investments in digital health applications being scaled back. This, in turn, could impact companies operating in this space and investors investing in digital health solutions.

It remains to be seen whether and how the planned measures to introduce the ePA and the increased use of DiGAs will be revised and how this will affect the market and the financial industry.