Though 20 percent of RNs claim their facilities experienced a data breach, only a quarter of them have seen changes in the way their companies handle data security and patient privacy over the past year, according to a survey administered by the University of Phoenix College of Health Professions.
The survey queried responses from 504 U.S.-based RNs and administrative staff, all of whom have held their current position for at least two years.
Here are four things to know.
1. While 20 percent of RNs and 19 percent of administrative staff reported their organization had experienced a data breach, 21 percent of RNs did not know whether their organization had experienced a data breach.
2. Roughly 48 percent of RNs and 57 percent of administrative staff indicated they were "very confident" in their facility's ability to secure patient data against potential theft.
3. Both groups (RNs, 23 percent and administrative staff, 34 percent) do not recognize the benefit of training for healthcare privacy and security, but about half of administrative staff and two in five RNs believe more technology training is needed.
4. Both groups said their organizations are taking the following steps to ensure patient data is protected.
- Updated privacy and access policies (69 percent of administrative staff, 67 percent of RNs)
- Role-based access (60 percent of administrative staff, 59 percent of RNs)
- Data surveillance (55 percent of administrative staff, 56 percent of RNs)
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