The need for better data protection and data security in the digital age

The digital revolution in healthcare is driven by data. However, adequate protection for this growing volume of sensitive patient data must be in place before hospitals can take advantage of the estimated efficiency savings of around €39 billion [1] that the use of e-health technologies could bring. The GDPR, which came into effect in May 2018, enshrines greater protection and makes high demands of all healthcare providers. According to a recent data protection study [2], urgent action is required in German hospitals if they are to meet the standards set by the GDPR.

[1] PwC on behalf of the German Association of Healthcare IT Vendors (bvitg) and CompuGroup Medical SE (2017).
[2] Curacon GmbH (2018).

The end-of-life process, especially for peripherals such as printers, is still a low priority compared to the importance placed on technical infrastructure to protect against cyberattacks. But it is precisely these peripheral devices that store and process a lot of patient-related, and therefore sensitive, data. That is why a GDPR-compliant erasure process is required when it comes to upgrading IT and ICT systems. CHG-MERIDIAN, the data erasure experts, have the perfect solution – eraSURE® provides complete and permanent removal of data, certified by the TÜV product standards regulator. Old equipment can then undergo environmentally friendly refurbishment and is ready to be remarketed.

As the digital revolution encompasses ever more areas of healthcare technology, hospitals have the opportunity to improve patient satisfaction despite financial challenges. Handling the growing volume of patient data in a transparent, secure, and resource-efficient way requires efficient processes and procedures. CHG-MERIDIAN’s Output Solutions offer customized business concepts that can identify cost drivers and potential savings along the entire lifecycle of the technologies used. Thanks to reduced costs and efficient workflows, hospitals can gain the financial leeway and increased personnel options that enable them to concentrate on their core business: providing high-quality patient care.