Protecting patient privacy and confidentiality

 
Using insights gained from readings and web sources, explore and reflect on the ethical obligation of the nurse practitioner to protect patient privacy and confidentiality as patient data moves to the Health Cloud  

  • Cloud Computing is the use of remote servers on the internet to store, manage and process medical data.
  • This approach benefit the patient through creating an efficient environment for healthcare delivery while also reducing healthcare costs.
  • Nurse Practitioner's can utilize data clouding through telehealth services, virtual patient monitoring and timely interventions.
  • APRN's can collaborate with other health care professional by sharing secured patient data on electronic platforms and have informed decision making.
  • APRN's can also access up to date information about the patients they see to make informed decision making and have continuity of care.
Applications like Cloud Kettle are being utilized to being utilized to store patient data and information securely

"The Global Healthcare Cloud Computing Market is valued at USD 38.25 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 145.86 Billion by 2030 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 18.2% between 2023 and 2030, the market is categorized into public, private, and hybrid cloud models, with major applications in electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, medical imaging, clinical research, and patient engagement solutions. Key players in the industry are continuously innovating to enhance cloud security, interoperability, and regulatory compliance, further propelling market expansion." (PharmiWeb, 2025). 



Ways APRN's can protect patient privacy and confidentiality 

  1. Adhere to current regulatory standard such as HIPPA, which governs patient protection rights on how their information is utilized
  2. Use Robust security measures: multifactor authentication, security audits and encryption
  3. Choose HIPPA compliant cloud providers such as: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Dropbox and iDrive.

References:


Harper, E. (2024, May 14). Integrating health cloud and data cloud. CloudKettle. https://www.cloudkettle.com/blog/integrating-health-cloud-and-data-cloud/

- YouTube. (n.d.). https://youtube.com/shorts/fL-x83mR01s?feature=shared

Office for Civil Rights, Office of the Secretary, HHS. (2021). Proposed modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule to support, and remove barriers to, coordinated care and individual engagement [Proposed Rules]. Federal Register, 86(12), 6446–6446. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-21/pdf/2020-27157.pdf

Reports, M. (2025, February 17). Healthcare Cloud Computing Market: industry outlook, key trends, and future projections (2024-2035). PharmiWeb.com. https://www.pharmiweb.com/press-release/2025-02-17/healthcare-cloud-computing-market-industry-outlook-key-trends-and-future-projections-2024-2035

Rights, O. F. C. (2024, September 27). The HIPAA privacy rule. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/index.html

Sprinto. (2023, April 6). What is HIPAA? How to be HIPAA compliant? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m62_AnzTw3Y

TED. (2025, January 14). A hospital in the cloud bringing health care anywhere in the world | Mohamed Aburawi | TED [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojZav0u29B4

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