Americans are concerned about the security of their health data

PHOENIX - As many as 76% of U.S. adults are concerned that their health care records are vulnerable to hackers, according to a new survey released Tuesday by the University of Phoenix College of Health Professions School of Health Services Administration. 

 

Those in their 20s (72%) and 30s (71%) are the least likely to be concerned with the vulnerability of their health care records when compared with older generations, however a strong majority still express concern. Approximately 4 in 5 U.S. adults in their 40s (80%) and 50s (83%) reported concern.

 

“In the digital age of health care, protecting patients’ private information from cyber criminals while still making it readily available to the patients themselves is a complex challenge,” said Mark Johannsson, academic dean for University of Phoenix School of Health Services Administration. “This dichotomy demonstrates the importance of health care systems collaborating with technology industry leaders to preserve patient records, while also making them easily accessible.”

 

U.S. adults are fairly split on their comfort level sharing their health care records across health care networks locally, across state lines and across country borders. More than half (55%) say they are very or somewhat comfortable, and 45% say they are not at all or not very comfortable. Those in their 20s and 30s were more likely to be comfortable (60% and 61%) than older respondents. For those in their 40s, 50s and 60s+, 55%, 48% and 54%, respectively, are very or somewhat comfortable with the possibility of their health care records being shared.