The Handbook of Information and Computer Ethics

Book Review Chapter 12:

Health Information Technology: Challenges in Ethics, Science, and Uncertainty1: KENNETH W. GOODMAN

Library Reference: N/A

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Information-Computer-Ethics/dp/0471799599/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232853902&sr=8-1

Quote:  “So, without trust—newly imperiled by the belief that computers might constitute new threats to confidentiality—the expansion of health information technology is in jeopardy”

    Imagine if you were the patient, you wouldn’t want all people to know or you feel kind of embarrassed when other people learn about your health information. To some people, they might not mind but there are some people who don’t want any piece of information regarding their health be publicized. That’s why, computer systems are feared to do that, which I hope don’t .

Learning Expectation:

     I am not really sure what the title of the chapter means so I can’t say much, but since I haven’t read it yet, my expectations for learning is that I would learn about the relation of health information technology. It sounds weird since this is the first time I ever encountered such a word. So, I would like to know what health has got to do with information technology.

Review:

    The chapter first talks about privacy and its cousin, confidentiality. Basically, after reading the first page, I got an overview or an idea what this chapter is all about, which is computer systems that are used for storing private data and information on peoples health. This is obviously used in hospitals that have such systems. It is said that privacy and confidentiality is a big thing It is also feared or concluded that the belief that computers might constitute new threats to confidentiality. There is truth there actually because if the system is not properly built, then we could have a problem. CDSS is also discussed in this chapter, which basically means Clinical Decision Support Systems. These are systems are actually intelligent machines that help people analyze data and information.

So basically, this chapter is all about the issues with health and Information Technology. How these computer systems actually apply to information and data of health.

What I’ve learned:

    I have learned that it is also kind of complicated with health and Information Technology. Because what I knew was that once the developers built your systems, it’s done. Its only now that I’ve actually realized that there is more than meets the eye. It’s complicated than I thought it was simple. I’d say it was an interesting read.

Questions:

1.    Is it that much of a big deal?

2.    Since when did people fear that computers might destroy their privacy?

3.    Shouldn’t people be happy that there is a tool that is used for their health?

4.    Are people saying that they don’t want computer systems?

5.    What do they want if they don’t like using systems?

Citation: (Kenneth Einar E. Himma & Herman T. Tavani, 2008)