Homework #5

Paul Trant
Homework #6
MIS
March 12, 2012

Article: Drug makers Mine Data for Trial Patients
Publisher: Business week
Published Date: November 3, 2011

The article “Drug Makers Mine Data for Trial Patients” discusses how pharmaceutical companies are going to use electronic health data gained from patients from 13 hospitals across New York State. The purpose of this is to identify and enroll participants in drug studies. This program is called the Partnership to Advance Clinical Electronic Research.

I believe this is a good cause, because it will allow for money to be spent smarter instead of test and retest. New products won’t have to continually be made if tests can be done ahead of time. By implementing an electronic health data system, it will be able to pinpoint and sort records quickly and efficiently. Also, the article said that hospitals are projected to make $75 million.

Continuing on into the article, it discusses how federal law bars medical providers, hospitals and insurers from disclosing the types of information Drug Company’s are looking to seek. The records would have to be queried and each one costs between $50,000 and $200,000. I think that this is a lot of money, but at the same time if it can help people and prevent future illnesses then it’s definitely worth the investment.

Arguments were raised about the information being leaked to third parties and flaws in the system. Lillie Coney the associate director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center was quoted for saying, “In a world where so much data is being retained, exchanged and sold, being able to protect the privacy of individuals is a lot more difficult.” I absolutely agree with her point. There are all kinds of viruses and programs, where people try to steal personal information, and commit crimes such as credit card fraud and identity fraud.

However, nothing is being done without the signed consent of the patient. Therefore the pharmaceutical companies are legally protected. One the patient signs their consent; they are legally allowing their personal records to be viewed for research purposes. Where it cost’s so much money for the query, it is almost certain the right protective measures would be taken to protect the information of the patient.