Balancing patient engagement with HIPAA privacy mandates

Patient engagement fosters collaboration between patients and healthcare providers to achieve better health outcomes. However, healthcare providers must ensure that they are protecting patient privacy as mandated by HIPAA. 

What is patient engagement?

Patient engagement involves actively involving patients in their healthcare journey. Engaged patients take an active interest in their well-being, participate in shared decision-making, and adhere to treatment plans more consistently. The benefits of patient engagement extend beyond individual well-being; they enhance the overall quality of care provided in the healthcare system.

Educating patients about HIPAA

Patients should be well-informed about how their health information will be used, shared, and safeguarded, along with their control over it. This educational effort is foundational in establishing trust and transparency within patient-provider relationships.

Healthcare organizations should employ various channels to educate patients about HIPAA:

• Provide clear, concise information in patient handbooks or brochures.
• Offer online resources and frequently asked questions (FAQs) on their websites.
• Display notices about HIPAA rights and policies in waiting rooms and reception areas.
• Engage in discussions about HIPAA during patient onboarding and annual check-ups.

Secure communication channels

Encourage the use of encrypted email systems and HIPAA compliant messaging apps. These tools empower patients to interact with their healthcare team while maintaining the confidentiality of their data.

Obtaining patient consent in compliance with HIPAA 

Healthcare providers must obtain explicit patient consent and authorization for data sharing and communication activities. Consent forms must be straightforward and clear, explicitly explaining the purpose and scope of data sharing. When requesting consent, healthcare providers should provide patients with the following information:

• The specific types of information that will be shared (e.g., medical records, test results).
• The purpose of data sharing (e.g., coordinating care with specialists).
• The entities or individuals with whom the information will be shared (e.g., other healthcare providers, insurers).
• Procedures for patients to revoke their consent or make changes to their preferences.

Secure access to medical records

HIPAA mandates that patients have the right to access their medical records. Online access through patient portals allows patients to assume control of their healthcare information while adhering to HIPAA compliance. However, challenges come with the use of patient portals, which healthcare organizations must be aware of.

Read more: The challenges of navigating portals for patients

Data security measures

Technical safeguards mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, aligning with HIPAA's stringent security requirements. Data security measures encompass:

• Data encryption: Encrypt electronic PHI both in transit and at rest. Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorized individuals.
• Secure authentication: Implement authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to verify the identity of users accessing electronic PHI.
• Access controls: Limit access to patient data based on the principle of "least privilege." Only authorized individuals should have access to sensitive information.

Patient feedback and continuous improvement

Healthcare providers should gather and act upon patient feedback to enhance engagement tools and privacy practices continuously, all while respecting HIPAA regulations.

Gathering and acting on patient feedback can be achieved through various means:

• Surveys: Send out patient satisfaction surveys to gather input on their experiences with engagement tools and privacy practices.
• Focus groups: Organize focus groups or patient advisory committees to gain in-depth insights from patients.
• Complaints and concerns: Encourage patients to report any concerns or issues related to privacy or engagement.

Related: Patient engagement and HIPAA compliance: What you need to know