Answer:
HealthStream Research has a comprehensive Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). This plan encompasses all aspects of data integrity to ensure that checkpoints have been established throughout the process, beginning with initial patient sample loading, to call center interviewing, to final delivery of survey results back to the client.
HealthStream Research implements industry-best practices for data security and integrity. These include:
Secure Data Transmission
- 128 bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encrypted communications to our file upload website
- ID and password-protected file transfer area
Internal Safeguards
- Physical access restrictions to data servers, network equipment and telephone equipment
- Restricted access to individually identifiable healthcare information (IIHI)
- User ID and passwords for access to network and data resources
- Secure document disposal via third-party vendor–certified destruction
- Firewalled Internet connection
- Frequent review and analysis of system logs for suspicious activity and intrusion detection
- Formal security policies and procedures for employees
Disclosure Policy
- HealthStream Research protects the strict confidentiality of all data and does not release any data to any third party without written consent.
Disaster Recovery
- Daily backups of all data storage systems
- Secure and safe storage of archived data–backup media are stored in a fireproof, locked safe within a locked room
- Backup battery power and redundant power supplies
- Hot-swap disk storage systems (RAID level 5)
Completed data is available to clients though the Insights Online secure website. Access to data through Insights Online is limited to approved users for a facility. Data retrieved is non-identifiable to a particular patient and available only to those personnel approved by the contracting hospital. At the conclusion of the project, HealthStream Research returns or destroys all sensitive materials.
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