When the question is asked "Should we archive our medical data records?" one could simply say "Of course you should. After all, it is your data." Then stand by and expect providers and hospitals to line up for medical records archiving services. However, let's not be too hasty.
True, there are many benefits from archiving medical records. Static records are needed for long term reference. Patient active records are needed in ongoing patient services, but in either case, there is some risk.
Risks must be evaluated and this is especially true when new technology is being considered. Our technology potential always exceeds our ability to exploit it. Among the benefits of new technology are increased processing speed and ease of access. Mistakes can be made faster and more people will be given opportunities to make them.
An example is using the Cloud for storage of archived records. There is still much discussion about security of data in the Cloud. We have a well-documented track record for implementing and maintaining security on host servers.
What that really means is that we have a greater understanding of the risks associated with storing data on host servers than we do for storing data in the Cloud. Which storage method will prove to be the better choice? Time and experience will tell.
Every archiving project begins with a data conversion. First, medical records are extracted. Second, the records are made compatible with the data archive structure. Because the resulting archive data is static, it can be stored at the owner's convenience.
With Medical Internet of Things (MIoT), more services are becoming available faster than we can reasonably adopt them; however, that is not a reason for avoiding these services. It is a warning and providers should do their homework. A plan needs to be prepared, measurable steps for determining progress identified. And engage a new service only when a satisfactory plan and its risks are defined.
Most importantly, the safe storage and ease of retrieval for all your current medical record data needs to be implemented. Implement data archiving before beginning MIoT. MIoT will add huge volumes of data to your existing library.
A personal example: Recently my daughter was given a fifteen-page printed document with detailed information recommending changes to her diet relative to her long bout with kidney stones. The document could easily have been delivered electronically. Learning of this experience and reading about the Medical Internet of Things, it occurred to me that the medical profession may not yet be in a mode of actively adopting new technology. Considering that she is being treated at a prestigious teaching university in Texas, which I would expect to be more progressive in adopting new and useful technologies, it is probable that providers not connected with a teaching university may be even more reluctant to take up new tools.
Prepare your office for successful integration of MIoT services. Make good use of existing technology. Begin by archiving medical records.
KW Norris is the Co-Founder and VP of Marketing and Sales for Technology Consultants, Inc. www.tcimovesdata.com
Summary:
Medical providers do not appear anxious to engage in new technology. The Medical Internet of Things (MIoT) is coming on strong and meeting some resistance. The use of other technology such as Data Archiving have many benefits and low cost. Data Archiving will also link to and benefit from the Medical Internet of Things. Making good use of existing technology will be vital to the successful integration of MIoT.
