Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Which technology is essential for ensuring secure electronic health records?

1. Cloud storage

2. Blockchain

3. Firewalls

4. Data mining

The correct answer is: Firewalls

The essential technology for ensuring secure electronic health records is blockchain. Blockchain technology provides a decentralized and tamper-proof way to store data, making it incredibly difficult for unauthorized parties to alter or access sensitive health information. Each transaction or record in a blockchain is linked to the one before it, creating a chain that enhances integrity and security. This immutability adds a layer of trust and accountability, which is crucial for handling sensitive medical information. While cloud storage is used for storing data, it may not inherently provide the level of security and immutability that blockchain offers. Firewalls are important for protecting networks from unauthorized access, but they do not secure the data itself in a way that prevents alteration or ensures traceability. Data mining involves analyzing large sets of data to identify patterns and insights, but it does not focus on security measures for protecting sensitive information like electronic health records. Thus, blockchain stands out as the pivotal technology for maintaining the security and integrity of electronic health records in modern healthcare systems.