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Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Health Care: Privacy and Security Concerns Limiting Adoption

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Abstract

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been implemented in a wide variety of industries. Health care is no exception. This article explores implementations and limitations of RFID in several health care domains: authentication, medication safety, patient tracking, and blood transfusion medicine. Each domain has seen increasing utilization of unique applications of RFID technology. Given the importance of protecting patient and data privacy, potential privacy and security concerns in each domain are discussed. Such concerns, some of which are inherent to existing RFID hardware and software technology, may limit ubiquitous adoption. In addition, an apparent lack of security standards within the RFID domain and specifically health care may also hinder the growth and utility of RFID within health care for the foreseeable future. Safeguarding the privacy of patient data may be the most important obstacle to overcome to allow the health care industry to take advantage of the numerous benefits RFID technology affords.

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Conflict of Interest

The author confirms he has no conflicts to report.

Financial Support and Industry Affiliations

The author reports no personal or institutional financial interest in medications, materials, or devices described in the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Informatics & Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Benjamin P. Rosenbaum

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, S-40, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Benjamin P. Rosenbaum

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  1. Benjamin P. Rosenbaum
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Correspondence to Benjamin P. Rosenbaum.

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Rosenbaum, B.P. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Health Care: Privacy and Security Concerns Limiting Adoption. J Med Syst 38, 19 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-014-0019-z

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