Personal medical information

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In recent years, the protection of computerized medical records and personal health information has sparked technical research and political disputes in various countries. In Britain, the debate began between the British Medical Association and the Department of Health regarding the use of encryption in a new medical network. Germany focused on issuing smartcards for patients to manage insurance details and payments, while the USA grappled with whether federal law should override state regulations on computerized medical records, including the necessary technical and legal protections for patients. This ongoing debate highlights the intertwined nature of policy and technical issues. Key questions arise: What does 'computer security' entail in healthcare? What are the objectives? What threats must we mitigate? What costs are justified? To what extent can existing technology, primarily designed for military and banking, be adapted? Most challenging is finding the right balance between technical and legal controls. As discussions evolved, it became evident that there was minimal engagement between clinical professionals, medical ethicists, and patients—those who articulate requirements—and those tasked with developing solutions.