Data sharing means making data available to another person or organization to use. In healthcare, sharing can support better care and research, but it also raises questions about who receives sensitive information and how it is protected. section 5.10
Wearables can produce a steady stream of health measurements, yet people may hesitate to let health services pass their data on. A UK study found 47% would allow the NHS to share data with public-sector companies to improve care, compared with 42% for private companies. Trust also varies by organization. section 3.2
Before sharing health data, consider both its destination and its safeguards:
- A healthcare provider’s privacy policy may permit sharing personal health information with many kinds of organizations, from care providers and insurers to researchers and government agencies. section 5.9
- One proposed approach keeps data in a secure environment for trained researchers, with safeguards for people, settings, technology, and outputs. Encryption, restricted access, and staff education are also identified as protections. section 5.10
- Stay alert to whom you provide data and how it is protected; privacy rules and safeguards need to keep pace with the value of sharing. section 5.10
