Industry leaders cite importance of data security in building patient trust
Improving the protection of patient data is crucial, but some providers are only beginning to take it seriously.
At a time when patient data holds immense value, cybersecurity has become critically important for healthcare organizations. Data breaches can lead to devastating consequences, from privacy violations to diminished patient trust, making it critical for healthcare leaders to prioritize data integrity, management and security.
Among many challenges, there are several pressing questions surrounding data security, trust and the resources it takes to secure sensitive healthcare information, according to insights from healthcare professionals.
Data integrity, management, and security is essential
Healthcare data is the foundation upon which patient care and operational decisions rest. However, safeguarding it requires a multifaceted approach.
As cybersecurity threats mount, healthcare leaders are increasingly focused on the integrity, management and security of their data. “Cybersecurity is beyond important and is on everyone's mind,” says Kent Gale, founder of KLAS Enterprises. “It is different from almost every other challenge we face in healthcare because the answers are always changing.”
Justin Langford, a Florida-based healthcare administrator, adds that leadership now recognizes data security as “integral to the overall business strategy and risk management,” indicating an awareness that data issues are not just technical challenges but also have become strategic imperatives.
Despite this, there are gaps in the level of engagement across organizations. Joe Gillespie, a privacy and security consultant based in Kansas, highlights a concerning trend, saying, “From what I hear in talking with our customers on data privacy, there does not appear to be a great deal of discussion on data integrity or data management … only about 50 percent of our customers have any formal structure that demonstrates this level of involvement and commitment.”
For many organizations, the focus has been on data security while overlooking the governance structures needed to fully secure and manage healthcare data. As cyber threats evolve, comprehensive strategies must address not only security but also integrity and management to protect this valuable resource.
Consequences limit trust and data portability
A lack of trust and limited portability of healthcare data continue to create challenges. Patients, providers and administrators alike feel the effects of these shortcomings.
For instance, Langford points out, “I’ve experienced situations where my medical records were not easily accessible when I needed them, especially during visits to different specialists.” He highlights that these delays in accessing data can directly impact patient care, underscoring a pressing issue: in an age where information should be instantly accessible, outdated systems continue to hinder data flow, diminishing patient confidence and care efficiency.
This lack of accessibility has direct effects on healthcare operations, says Ramsey Abdallah, citing issues with aggregating data across multiple electronic health records systems (EHRs). “We have had challenges due to the lack of portability and standardization of the data sets,” which complicates interoperability and efficient patient care, he notes.
Trust issues also extend to healthcare organizations. “Organizations trust one another too much,” contends David Samuel. "We do not go to the extents we should to assure data, application and security integrity.”
The professionals conclude that while technology exists to improve access and sharing, trust and consistency remain significant hurdles.
Security shortcomings affect stakeholders
When healthcare data security fails, the consequences ripple through the ecosystem, with patients bearing the brunt.
“Individuals in need of care may hesitate to seek treatment if they lack confidence in their healthcare providers,” contends Jasmine Agnew, senior vice president of academic affairs and professional credentials for AHIMA. She emphasizes that compromised data trust affects not only immediate care decisions but also long-term healthcare engagement and participation in essential medical research.
Healthcare providers also suffer. Langford describes how “doctors being unable to access critical patient records due to system outages caused by cyberattacks … can delay treatments and negatively affect patient outcomes.” Such disruptions not only jeopardize patient safety but also hinder providers’ ability to deliver timely care, further eroding trust in the system.
Leadership teams face challenges, too, because they must respond to operational setbacks, financial penalties and reputational damage following breaches. “Patients are impacted because they face potential medical errors … resulting from a lack of data management,” notes Georgeanna Wright, a professor at Arkansas Tech University. This highlights the critical need for having a resilient, trustworthy data infrastructure.
Transforming data security and trust
To move healthcare from a reactive stance on data security to a proactive one, transformative changes are required, many experts say.
Transparency is a vital first step, according to Michele Napoliello, chief consulting officer for Qualis Healthcare Research and Consulting. “Transparency is the key to trust … patients want to actively share in healthcare decision-making, and they rely on being provided transparent, truthful, and genuine information,” she contends. By sharing clear, honest information with patients, healthcare providers can begin to rebuild trust that has been compromised in recent years.
Education and training are also essential. Christine Pirillo, senior director of laboratory medicine at Geisinger, notes that creating a “culture of psychological safety” is crucial to fostering environments where healthcare staff can proactively report and address security risks. Such a culture empowers employees to spot threats early, reducing the chances of data breaches.
Finally, regulatory and technological solutions are needed to secure data consistently. Herat Joshi, data science team lead at Great River Health System, recommends using a “multi-layered security approach,” using AI-driven systems for real-time threat detection, while also emphasizing ongoing employee training on data privacy compliance.
By aligning policy, technology and organizational culture, healthcare leaders can create a secure environment in which patient data is protected, accessible and trustworthy.
As healthcare becomes increasingly digitized, data security is no longer a back-office function but a strategic priority affecting all stakeholders. Patients, providers and leaders face both risks and responsibilities as they navigate the complexities of data integrity, management and security.
To create a safer, more reliable healthcare system, organizations must commit to transparency, robust training and advanced security technologies. These measures, championed by industry professionals, underscore the urgent need for a coordinated, proactive approach to secure healthcare data.