Due to the ever-changing nature of the modern world, Information Technology (IT), particularly the field of data management, is now more important than ever for the Healthcare and Pharma industry. The success of clinical trials and healthcare services are directly related to the quality of the data they generate, collect, and work with. When put to good use, medical data has the potential:
However, striking the right balance between the adequate use of patient data and preserving the patient’s security and right to privacy, remains an ongoing challenge. For this reason, it is essential for Healthcare and Pharma industry actors to identify the limitations of their current ways of working and processes. They need to envision new directions of improvement, with the ultimate aim of developing the most secure and trustworthy data environment possible. Further complicating matters, Healthcare and Pharma are industries that are the most susceptible to cyber-attacks, the resulting data breaches and public disclosure of sensitive data. The tools used by hackers are constantly evolving, so must the security systems and procedures put in place by companies become stronger and more sophisticated.
One of the major areas of improvement lies in how companies store and communicate collected data. A number of IT software and server systems have been developed to fulfil the need for such data management solutions. For example, databases used by hospitals and pharma companies can be enhanced using tools and practices to maintain patient medical records and clinical research results in an adequate environment, within which data can be accessed and used safely for the intended purposes.
Data security and protection of privacy are the main obstacles towards obtaining patients’ consent to contribute to the invaluable health data driving the industry. In recent years, security and privacy have therefore become the two cornerstones of data management in the sector of Healthcare and Pharma.