Background Research in Information Governance in Healthcare
Background research in information governance in healthcare establishes the foundational principles, frameworks, and best practices for managing healthcare data throughout its lifecycle to ensure privacy, security, quality, and appropriate use while supporting organizational missions of patient care, education, and research. 1
Core Components of Background Research in Information Governance
Foundational Principles and Frameworks
Background research in healthcare information governance examines:
- Mission-driven approaches: Data sharing must align with core organizational missions of patient care, education, and research for advancing health 2
- Multidisciplinary governance structures: Effective governance requires clinical, technical, and administrative stakeholder involvement 1
- Ethical frameworks: Research explores principles like transparency, beneficence, and respect for patient autonomy in data handling 2
- Historical evolution: Tracing the development from paper-based to electronic health records and corresponding governance needs 3
Data Management and Security Research
Background research investigates:
- Technical safeguards: Implementation of firewalls, secure transmission modes, and encryption to protect electronic protected health information (ePHI) 1
- Access controls: Authentication mechanisms that verify user identity before granting access to sensitive information 1
- Data quality measures: Methods to address coding and semantic variations to ensure consistent data quality across systems 1
- De-identification protocols: Approaches to protect patient privacy while enabling secondary use of data 2
Regulatory and Compliance Research
Key areas include:
- Legal frameworks: Analysis of national and international regulations governing healthcare data 4
- Compliance monitoring: Methods to assess and ensure adherence to governance standards 1
- Accreditation programs: Evolution of programs like the UK's Data Accreditation Programme that formed the basis for broader information governance initiatives 4
Emerging Research Areas in Information Governance
AI and Algorithm Governance
Background research explores:
- AI/ML governing architectures: Frameworks to create trust in digital health applications 1
- Algorithm auditing: Processes to recognize groups for which automated decisions may not be reliable 1
- Bias prevention: Methods to ensure algorithms deliver fair and equitable healthcare decisions 1
Data Stewardship and New Professional Roles
Research examines:
- Evolving HIM profession: How health information management is incorporating data science and data stewardship roles 3
- Data sharing oversight: Implementation of data sharing review committees similar to Institutional Review Boards 2
- Stakeholder engagement: Methods to involve all stakeholders, especially end-users, in governance implementation 1
Interoperability and Standards
Background research investigates:
- Terminology standards: Development of certification frameworks to ensure quality in secondary use of patient data 3
- Clinical standards: National processes for defining and governing clinical data standards 5
- Data exchange protocols: Methods to improve information sharing across healthcare institutions 5
Methodological Approaches in Background Research
- Qualitative research: Interviews and case studies examining implementation experiences 5
- Comparative analysis: Studying governance models across different healthcare systems 5
- Literature reviews: Synthesizing existing knowledge on governance frameworks 3
- Stakeholder consultations: Gathering input from diverse perspectives including patients, providers, and administrators 1
Practical Applications of Background Research
- Development of guidelines: Creating good practice guides for information security in handling personal health data 6
- Implementation frameworks: Establishing governance architectures at organizational, national, and international levels 1
- Educational materials: Developing curricula and certification programs for health information professionals 3
- Policy recommendations: Informing policy decisions regarding data sharing and protection 2
Background research in information governance provides the evidence base needed to develop robust frameworks that balance data utility with privacy protection, ultimately supporting better patient care, research, and healthcare system performance.