Data protection #2

Question 1

What does HIQA stand for?

Answer 1

Health Information and Quality Authority

Question 2

What is the primary role of HIQA?

Answer 2

To drive continuous improvement in Ireland’s health and personal social care services

Question 3

List the statutory responsibilities of HIQA.

Answer 3

• Setting Standards for Health and Social Services
• Social Services Inspectorate
• Monitoring Healthcare Quality and Safety
• Health Technology Assessment
• Health Information

Question 4

What is the aim of the Information management standards published by HIQA?

Answer 4

To improve the quality of national health information and data

Question 5

What does the guidance on Information Governance aim to support?

Answer 5

The successful implementation of the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare

Question 6

True or False: HIQA has the power to regulate acute general hospital services.

Answer 6

False

Question 7

Does HIQA have enforcement powers?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

What can HIQA do regarding hospitals?

Answer 8

Monitor hospitals based on national standards

Question 9

Who can request an investigation by HIQA?

Answer 9

The minister

Question 10

What happens to the reports and recommendations made by HIQA?

Answer 10

They are made public

Question 11

What does the Health and Social Care Professionals Act establish?

Answer 11

CORU, which regulates health and social care professionals

CORU includes medical scientists among the professionals it regulates.

Question 12

What is the purpose of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics (COPCE) set by CORU?

Answer 12

To outline key responsibilities for health and social care professionals

Question 13

List three key responsibilities outlined by CORU for health and social care professionals.

Answer 13

• Ensuring confidentiality of patient data
• Handling test results with discretion
• Avoiding discussing sensitive information outside of the workplace

Question 14

What can happen if a health professional breaches confidentiality according to CORU?

Answer 14

They could face a CORU investigation

Example: A scientist discussing a patient’s condition outside work.

Question 15

What international standard must laboratories comply with according to accreditation requirements?

Answer 15

ISO15189

Question 16

What are some benefits of laboratory accreditation?

Answer 16

• Effective data management policies
• Regular inspections for compliance
• Integral part of Quality Management System (QMS)

Question 17

What do laboratory guidelines ensure?

Answer 17

That laboratories follow best practices in confidentiality, data management, and security protocols

Question 18

Are laboratory guidelines legally required?

Answer 18

No, but they reflect professional standards and evidence-based practices

Question 19

Who typically creates laboratory guidelines?

Answer 19

Expert groups or professional organizations

Question 20

What is the purpose of national and local policies in laboratories?

Answer 20

To complement legislation and ensure adherence to patient confidentiality and data management

Question 21

What types of documents outline lab commitments to patient confidentiality?

Answer 21

Pathology User Manuals and Quality Manuals

Question 22

What is the role of lab policies?

Answer 22

To outline specific requirements and responsibilities for staff

Question 23

What are HSE staff legally required to ensure regarding personal data?

Answer 23

The security and confidentiality of all personal data they handle

Question 24

What types of data do laboratory policies apply to?

Answer 24

All forms: electronic, manual, or paper-based

Question 25

What procedures are in place to maintain confidentiality and security?

Answer 25

* Security, access, and confidentiality protocols * Back-up systems * Safe disposal of data and equipment

Question 26

What is one method for controlling access to sensitive data in laboratories?

Answer 26

Using swipe cards or other secure entry methods

Question 27

What training is required for lab staff to ensure confidentiality?

Answer 27

Training on confidentiality and data protection

Question 28

What processes are involved in lab controls for ensuring confidentiality?

Answer 28

* Risk assessment and management * End-to-end encryption * Password protection and access levels

Question 29

Fill in the blank: Laboratories must have procedures for _______ to prevent breaches.

Answer 29

properly disposing of data, equipment, and IT systems

Question 30

What is included in disaster recovery processes in laboratories?

Answer 30

Data backup

Question 31

What is the first step to take in the event of a breach?

Answer 31

Report it immediately – GDPR requires breaches to be reported within 72 hours ## Footnote GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation, which is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy.

Question 32

Who should be notified after a breach occurs?

Answer 32

Notify the Data Protection Officer (DPO) ## Footnote The DPO is responsible for overseeing data protection strategy and implementation to ensure compliance with GDPR requirements.

Question 33

What is a key action to take to contain a breach?

Answer 33

If an email was misdirected, request deletion ## Footnote Containing a breach is critical to minimize potential damage and protect sensitive information.

Question 34

What should be done after containing a breach?

Answer 34

Review and prevent recurrence – Implement corrective actions ## Footnote This includes analyzing the cause of the breach and making necessary changes to policies or procedures.

Question 35

What is one best practice in the workplace regarding patient data?

Answer 35

Limit access to patient data—only on a need-to-know basis ## Footnote This practice helps to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and potential breaches.

Question 36

What should be done to protect lab reports and emails?

Answer 36

Encrypt and password-protect lab reports and emails ## Footnote Encryption adds a layer of security, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access sensitive information.

Question 37

What should employees follow when handling data?

Answer 37

Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling data ## Footnote SOPs provide detailed, written instructions to achieve uniformity in the performance of a specific function.

Question 38

What should be avoided in public spaces?

Answer 38

Avoid discussing cases outside work ## Footnote Discussing sensitive information in public can lead to accidental breaches.

Question 39

Fill in the blank: Think before you ______!

Answer 39

share! ## Footnote This emphasizes the importance of being cautious about sharing information, even inadvertently.

Question 40

True or False: Even an accidental breach can have consequences.

Answer 40

True ## Footnote Accidental breaches can lead to serious repercussions, including legal penalties and loss of trust.