As paper-based procedures increasingly make way for digital processes at hospitals, the aim is to streamline processes, create greater flexibility, save time and reduce costs. The two major advantages of digitalization are fast communication across sectors and secure access to patient data. As more and more hospital services are shifted to outpatient services, this transformation is becoming even more important.
The basic prerequisite is always compliance with applicable data protection and IT security requirements as well as the Hospital Future Law. The D-Trust offers hospitals a wide range of digital solutions ‘Made in Germany’. These solutions ensure secure handling of electronic applications while protecting the medical and personal data of patients.
The Telematics Infrastructure (TI) connects all stakeholders involved in the statutory health insurance scheme. This means that doctor’s practices, hospitals and other medical facilities can exchange digital information securely and quickly. Only authorized institutions and registered users can access the Telematics Infrastructure using a connector and a card terminal. Authorized hospitals wishing to access the infrastructure must identify themselves using the SMC-B card for medical practices and institutions. Individuals, i.e. medical staff, identify themselves using the electronic Health Professional Card (eHPC). Both cards are produced by D‑TRUST, the trust service provider of the Bundesdruckerei Group. Once connected to the TI, users have access to various solutions including emergency data management, the electronic medication plan, the electronic patient file, communication in the medical sector as well as ePrescription. Both access and communication are always encrypted in order to protect sensitive patient data. What’s more, the eHPC can be used to digitally sign discharge letters and other documents in a legally recognized manner – a further step towards setting up entirely digital processes.
Hospitals are a target for hackers. In the past, there have been several reports of cyberattacks on German hospitals. Experts assume that the number of attacks will continue to rise in 2020 and beyond. A successful attack can pose a double risk for hospitals. On the one hand, there is a risk of disruption in operations, and on the other hand, the attack could result in the hospital having to pay fines. Under IT security law, hospitals that belong to the critical infrastructure (KRITIS) are obliged to protect themselves against cyberattacks and system failures. As a reliable partner, the D-Trust can deliver customized solutions to secure your digital infrastructure and to implement the Hospital Future Act as required.
In order for digitalization to come into its own, as many processes as possible should be fully digital with no media discontinuity. The handwritten signature, for example, is a factor that interrupts digital processes and unnecessarily increases administrative work. Yet qualified electronic signatures have already long been on the same level as the written form and can be used in a legally secure manner. There is nothing therefore standing in the way of digitizing this work step. Other solutions from the D-Trust can help you to make your workflows more effective. Examples include XRechnung for the convenient dispatch of e-invoices to patients as well as AusweisIDent for the unambiguous identification of your patients using their ID card.
Digitalization at hospitals is changing the way sensitive patient data is handled. Secure and decentralized access for all authorized stakeholders is an essential part of this. After all, the reliable authentication and identification of authorized persons and institutions are what enable the secure and GDPR-compliant use of digital services in the eHealth sector. The D-Trust provides user-friendly and legally compliant solutions for hospitals and other medical facilities – all ‘Made in Germany’.
