Home / Health / Fax Machines Persist in N.W.T. Healthcare Despite Privacy Risks
Fax Machines Persist in N.W.T. Healthcare Despite Privacy Risks
11 Jun
Summary
- N.W.T. health system still uses fax machines, a technology from 1843.
- Faxes are a 'bridge' for information transfer between disparate systems.
- Experts warn faxes are a significant source of privacy breaches.
The N.W.T. health-care system continues to rely on fax machines, a technology with origins dating back to 1843. Health Minister Lesa Semmler indicated that this reliance is likely to persist in the foreseeable future, particularly in areas with limited connectivity.
Faxes serve as a vital 'bridge' in the decentralized health-care sector, enabling the transfer of essential information such as referrals, lab results, and prescriptions between various electronic medical record systems that often lack interoperability. This ensures continuity of care despite technological limitations.
Despite their continued use, privacy specialists emphasize that fax machines pose a significant risk for privacy breaches. Historical instances in the N.W.T. include patient information being sent to incorrect government departments or even newsroom fax machines.
Transitioning away from fax technology is complex and costly, involving the implementation of secure, universal digital solutions. Experts note that achieving a unified system across diverse organizations presents considerable challenges, making the widespread adoption of fax machines a persistent reality.
