Secure e-Healthcare Information Systems

Abstract

The e-Healthcare information systems (e-HIS) are, by nature, network-based and internet-enabled. In the developed countries, e-HIS typically operate in regional networks and international health management organisations and trusts. Therefore, e-HIS must meet the requirements of new emerging paradigms and international organisational phenomenon. These requirements include the support for distribution, cooperation and communication. However, the success and acceptance of e- HIS may not be guaranteed in the absence of security and privacy service components, incorporation of standards-based interoperability that takes into account the legal, ethical and organisational policy provision. The typical e-HIS are e- Healthcare record systems (EHR systems) and electronic-personal healthcare record systems (EPHR systems). The EHR systems are created, maintained by clinicians and healthcare organisations, while EPHR systems are created, maintained and controlled, at least in theory, by the individual subject of the health information. The concept of the EHRs is fairly older than the concept of EPHR, which is emerging coupled with the patient-centred paradigm. Consequently, the EHR systems are fairly established as compared to EPHR systems which are starting to be introduced.