Electronic patient files: chaos and security risks uncovered!

Electronic patient files: chaos and security risks uncovered!

Elbe-Elster, Deutschland - The introduction of the electronic patient file (EPA) has started a little over two months ago, well, since the end of April, for doctors in Germany. Nevertheless, many look at the new solution not only in Cologne, but also in Brandenburg with mixed feelings. While the EPA is intended as a way to network and improve patient care, it comes across a lot of criticism. Especially the family doctor Dr. Uwe Popert from Kassel sums it up: "The whole thing is rather an unsorted data heap with no tangible support in treatment." He also expressed concerns about the maintenance and safety of the stored data. Apparently, the Chaos Computer Club (CCC) has already found security deficiencies that could potentially enable attackers to access sensitive data without the need for an electronic health card. But what does that mean for the patients?

The federal government, on the other hand, sees great potential in the EPA. As bundes- government.de , the health data should be used pseudonymized, i.e. without personal information, to advance research and enable statistical evaluations. In addition, insured persons can object to the use of their health data at any time. However, the discussion about the EPA is not only shown in medical practices, but also in other social areas. In Brandenburg, for example, the deportation of a Yazidi family from Lychen is currently being debated violently, whereby the decision is sharply criticized by the Brandenburg refugee council.

The opinions on the EPA are split

While some users of the electronic patient files are positive, there are also experts who note large security concerns. Similar to Popert, the CCC also requires a serious review of the security standards before the nationwide rollout of the EPA can be continued. "The EPA has to become safer, because it is much more than just health data. It is about the trust of the patients," said a CCC spokesman. According to