Biometric technology uses unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints, facial features, and iris patterns for identification and security purposes. Healthcare systems around the world have been introducing this method to improve patient care, streamline operations, and secure sensitive information. As the Government and private sector continue to move towards modernising and digitising healthcare, one consideration could be to use biometric technology.
We have been hearing in recent times about various institutions and businesses being hacked or their data compromised against the background of the Government’s focus on data security with the recent implementation of the Data Protection Act 2020. There is, therefore, a is a need to improve data security across the board and, importantly, within healthcare facilities, given how sensitive such information can be.
Biometric technology has become increasingly prominent across various sectors, from banking to law enforcement, due to its unmatched accuracy in identifying individuals. In healthcare, the primary applications of biometrics include patient identification, verifying healthcare professionals’ credentials, and securing access to sensitive medical records. Traditional identification methods, such as ID cards and passwords, can be easily misplaced, forgotten, or compromised, but biometric data is unique to each individual, making it nearly impossible to replicate or steal. The adoption of biometric technology in our healthcare system would represent a leap forward in preventing identity theft, medical fraud, and errors related to misidentifying patients or losing their files, a benefit of overall healthcare digitisation.
One of the most significant advantages of biometric technology is its ability to enhance patient safety. A fingerprint or facial scan can instantly and accurately verify a patient’s identity, ensuring that healthcare professionals access the correct medical records and administer the appropriate treatment. This level of precision saves time and helps to reduce the risk of medical errors, ultimately improving the quality of care patients receive.
PREVENTING MEDICAL FRAUD
In addition to improving patient safety, biometric technology plays a critical role in preventing medical fraud and identity theft. Medical fraud is a global issue that drains healthcare resources and undermines the quality of care, and we are not immune to this challenge. Fraudulent activities, such as using false identities to obtain medical services or file insurance claims, can significantly burden the healthcare system. Biometric verification at hospitals and clinics, can ensure that only the rightful patient accesses services, preventing identity fraud and protecting valuable medical resources. For instance, when a patient checks into a facility, a fingerprint scan can confirm their identity instantly, making it impossible for someone to use a false identity to access services or benefits fraudulently.
Biometrics can also streamline hospital and clinic operations, contributing to greater efficiency. The Government’s plan to digitise the healthcare system is, in part, aimed at reducing the administrative burden on hospitals and clinics, improving patient outcomes, and decreasing wait times. Biometrics can support these goals by automating the patient identification process and making it easier for healthcare workers to access records. On many occasions, time is lost on paperwork, searching for patient information, or verifying identities. Biometrics can reduce these delays by providing quick, secure access to patient records, freeing up time for healthcare workers to focus on patient care.
For healthcare professionals, biometric technology can also enhance security by controlling access to sensitive medical data. Currently, healthcare workers often use passwords to access patient records, but passwords can be shared or hacked. With biometrics, only authorised personnel can access confidential information, ensuring that patient data remains secure. It can also ensure that there is tracking to facilitate audit of the users who access patient data.
Biometrics can play a vital role in modernising and improving healthcare delivery. We must however bear in mind and adhere to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2020 to ensure that patient data remains secure and that privacy rights are upheld. By embracing this technology responsibly, however, we can move towards creating a safer, more efficient, and secure healthcare system.
Doug Halsall is the chairman and CEO of Advanced Integrated Systems. Email feedback to doug.halsall@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com
