Researchers conducted a nonrandomized controlled trial at a large academic medical center to understand the effectiveness of email warnings on reducing repeated unauthorized access to patient health information. Here’s what they found:
- In the intervention group, who had email warnings, 4 out of 219 employees’ repeated offenses occurred between 20 and 70 days after the initial unauthorized access.
- In the control group, who didn’t have access to email warnings, 90 out of the 225 employees accessed protected health information for a second time, between 20 and 70 days after their initial unauthorized access.
- Email warnings were 95 percent effective for reducing repeated offenses.
- The nonrandomized controlled trial found that when left unchecked, hospital employees repeatedly committed unauthorized access to patient health information.
The study’s findings are limited by lack of data on the prevalence of using email warnings to contain unauthorized access among hospitals.
Email warnings may also not be effective for different health systems as the landscape of cybersecurity continues to evolve.
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
