Ethical Issues in Digital Nursing: Protecting Patient Privacy in the Era of Electronic Health Records

The rapid adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has greatly enhanced nursing practice by improving efficiency, care coordination, and data-driven decision-making. However, it introduces ethical challenges, particularly regarding patient privacy and confidentiality. Nurses, as primary users of EHR systems, play a key role in balancing technology, patient care, and ethical responsibilities. This article examines the ethical issues surrounding patient privacy in the digital age, focusing on risks like unauthorized access, data breaches, and inadvertent disclosures. It explores the tension between data sharing for improved care and individual privacy rights, while analyzing ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice in the context of digital nursing. The article also addresses vulnerabilities in areas like interoperability, cloud storage, mobile access, and emerging technologies such as AI. It highlights nurses' roles in mitigating these risks through education, policy advocacy, and ethical decision-making. Strategies for protecting privacy, including access controls, encryption, and ongoing training, are discussed. Ultimately, ensuring patient privacy in digital nursing requires a proactive, ethical approach that balances technological progress with human-centered care.

کلیدواژه ها:

Electronic Health Records (EHR) ، Patient Privacy ، Digital Nursing ، Data Security ، Emerging Healthcare Technologies