Por Eric Gaxiola

While technology has significantly improved the healthcare sector, it has also
presented significant challenges in terms of privacy and security, especially with
regards to patient data. Nowhere is this more evident than in healthcare, where the
confidentiality of patient information is not just a legal mandate but an ethical one.
As the sector evolves, it faces unprecedented challenges in ensuring the privacy
and security of patient data, necessitating a commitment to ethical practices and
robust regulations. To ensure confidentiality of patient information and quality care,
it is essential to have clear regulations, an ethical commitment from all
stakeholders involved, and a patient-centered approach to be able to move
towards a safe, equitable and reliable health system in the digital age.
In an increasingly connected world, privacy and security of personal data have
become of vital importance. In the health sector, where confidentiality is essential,
the question of who’s responsible for the patient data – the patients themselves,
the health institution or both – continues to generate debate. Although the patients
are the owners of their disease, are they also the owners of their records?
This topic was discussed in a recently held webinar titled, “What Patient
Confidentiality Looks Like in Practice,” organized by Axios International, a
pioneering access to healthcare (consulting) company that has been at the
forefront of market access for over 25 years.
As technology advances and is integrated into healthcare, there is a need to adapt
to new regulations that effectively protect sensitive patient information. Dr. Juana
Inés Navarrete Martínez, a specialist in genetics and coordinator of Genetics at the
Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM),
stresses that the field of genetics presents unique challenges in this regard. She
says that more and more people have access to their genetic information, raising
critical questions about how to ensure privacy and ethical use of this data. This
dilemma highlights the importance of updating medical practices and adjusting
them to the regulations that emerge to protect the patient.
On the other hand, the implementation of advanced healthcare technologies, such
as electronic health records, has revolutionized the way medical information is
stored and accessed. Carlos Salazar Gaytán, president of the National Association
of Health Providers (ANAPS), emphasizes that these technologies also introduce
new security risks such as cyberattacks. Protecting patient data is not only a matter
of privacy, but also of trust and security in the healthcare system, he opines. Thus,
healthcare institutions must adopt robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard this
critical information.

“We have served over 9.5 million patients worldwide and all patients participating in
our initiatives around the globe give their consent before starting any treatment
within Axios-managed programs,” says Silvia Méndez, Country Operations Lead in
Mexico at Axios International.
However, the responsibility of safeguarding patient data cannot rest solely on the
shoulders of healthcare providers. Collaboration across sectors is essential.
Méndez emphasizes that healthcare professionals, administrators, technology
developers, lawmakers, and patients must work together to develop innovative
solutions that uphold data privacy while improving healthcare quality. Without this
collective effort, the system risks falling short in addressing the rapidly evolving
digital landscape.
She adds that Axios educates patients about their roles and rights during their
treatment journey. “We have also integrated effective digital healthcare applications
from the Axios+ digital ecosystem, allowing patients to access their treatment and
navigate the health system faster and more easily, while ensuring their data and
security are protected at every point during their journey,” she says.
Mendez adds that only through a collaborative approach can innovative solutions
be developed that protect data and improve the quality of healthcare.
Much remains to be done since technology and regulation are not advancing at the
same pace as other industries, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to
stay up to date on current regulations and adopt secure technologies that prioritize
the protection of patient data. In addition, educating patients about their rights
regarding the privacy of their health information is essential to fostering a culture of
confidentiality in all healthcare institutions.
While technology has brought enormous benefits to the healthcare sector, it also
poses significant challenges in terms of privacy and security. Patients have the
right to the confidentiality of their information and to quality medical care. Achieving
this requires clear and effective regulations, an ethical commitment from all
involved, and support from technological advancements. A patient-centered
approach that always ensures the protection of privacy and well-being is the only
way to move towards a safe, equitable and reliable health system in the digital age.
It’s clear: safeguarding patient data is not just a legal requirement—it’s a moral
obligation.