Importance of Using Information Technology - Essay Example

Exposure of such information leads to unauthorized access as in the given case, and it can lead to manipulation of the records. Such manipulation can affect the treatment of the patient as critical information may be altered, thus compromising the care given to the patient. More to these, ensuring the confidentiality of electronic health records, which are the information systems used to store patient information, serves to advance the national strategy for health IT, and also safeguards the interests of the patients (Kolodner, 2007).

Discuss the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the client, the accuracy, and truthfulness of the record, and the professional responsibilities of self

When the public gets access to the health information of any patient, mistrust develops relating to the integrity of the technological systems. Consequently, to maintain the trust that the public has in the health sector, the information systems ought to be confidential. More to these, the confidentiality of health information systems allows patients to disclose information that they deem important to their health. Therefore, failing to maintain such confidentiality can hinder patients from exposing details that can aid in their treatment (“Committee on Health Research and the Privacy of Health Information,” 2009). In relation to the mentioned case, the patients may find it difficult to disclose sensitive health information to a health professional in the future, thus compromising the quality of care.

Ensuring the accuracy and truthfulness of patient records serves to promote the quality of care received by the efficient. Accurate records give the medical practitioner a proper base for disseminating the appropriate treatment, and care, which improves the health outcomes of the patients.

Identify the legal aspects of an employer-employee relationship, especially how the union is involved

The health profession clearly sets out the need for patient confidentiality, when professionals get trained in college. When an employee gets an opportunity to work with a given employer, a definite employer-employee relationship develops. One of the requirements of such a relationship relates to the employee observing the ethics of the profession. Consequently, an employer can take legal action against an employee who does not conform to such ethics, including confidentiality, as in this case. On the other hand, labor unions endeavor to protect employees from circumstances that affect their work adversely as seen by the union’s intervention in the case. The unions usually advocate for the employees and aim at ensuring that they get a fair judgment in, such a situation as the one in this case.