Safe and Secure

New training provides tips around protecting sensitive information

Ever wanted to rock a superhero cape at work? Okay, maybe it won’t go that far, but a new training from HCA Healthcare’s Information Protection department wants to show you how you can be a hero every day when it comes to protecting our patient, physician and employee information. The training, “Information Protection: Your Identity Depends on It,” launched in October on HealthStream. It’s designed to provide tips and tricks to help everyone keep sensitive data safe and secure, in your home life and at work.

“Protecting our sensitive information is a big deal for our company,” Paul Connelly, vice president of information protection says. “Two-thirds of people surveyed wouldn’t go back to a hospital or provider who lost their data. With this training, we want to show employees that it’s up to them to wield their information protection warrior badge every day.”

The training was created around a superhero theme, so in addition to being short (it’s just 20 minutes), it’s also pretty fun (if you don’t mind some bad puns).

“What we wanted to do was create something that not only provided the ‘must-do’ procedures around workplace information, but also would share some good tips on how to protect personal information,” Connelly says. “Whether they’re shopping online or paying at the gas station, we want to empower employees with the knowledge of how to protect their identity at all times.”

Much of the training relates back to the Code of Conduct training, like HIPAA requirements around patient information.

“This is real-world, applicable training,” Connelly says. “What would you do if you saw someone without a badge walking through the halls of your hospital? Do you lock your workstation every time you stand up? It’s the little things that can make a positive impact.”

In addition to touching on safety and computer tips, social media guidelines and email, etiquette around information sharing is covered as well.

“We know our employees are dedicated to the care and improvement of human life, and we want them to understand that mission includes protecting their private information,” Connelly adds. “Whether you’re handling patient face sheets or downloading reports, ask yourself, ‘how will I protect this information?’ That question can make all the difference.”

Visit the Atlas Connect Information Protection site for more details on “Information Protection: Your Identity Depends on It.”