What is one benefit of improved security in electronic health records (EHR)?

Improved security in electronic health records (EHR) primarily manifests through enhanced access controls. Access controls serve as a critical mechanism to safeguard sensitive health information by ensuring that only authorized personnel can view or manipulate patient data. This is vital for maintaining patient confidentiality and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA, which mandates protecting health information from unauthorized access.

By implementing strong access control measures, healthcare organizations can mitigate the risks of data breaches, prevent identity theft, and maintain the integrity of patient records. This not only enhances patient trust in the healthcare system but also ensures that sensitive information is shared appropriately among healthcare providers, thereby facilitating better patient care. Access controls can include various methods such as password protection, biometric scans, and role-based access, each designed to limit access to EHRs strictly to those who need it in order to perform their jobs, which is essential in today's digital health landscape.