Confidentiality, privacy, and restrictions for computer-based patient records.

The public wants four things from our healthcare system: quality, affordability, security, and access (Taylor 1993). To improve quality and affordability of, and access to, healthcare, we turn to information technology for support. With the increased use of information technology in healthcare, concerns associated with the security of patient records are also increasing. Personal privacy and information technology are on a collision courses with respect to the privacy and confidentiality of computer-based patient medical records.