Most are concerned about security of healthcare data

More than three-fourths (76 percent) of U.S. adults are concerned that their healthcare records are vulnerable to hackers, according to the University of Phoenix.

Perhaps not surprisingly, those in their 20s (72 percent) and 30s (71 percent) are the least likely to be concerned with the vulnerability of their healthcare records when compared with older generations, however a strong majority still express concern. Approximately 4 in 5 U.S. adults in their 40s (80 percent) and 50s (83 percent) reported concern.

“In the digital age of healthcare, protecting patients’ private information from cybercriminals while still making it readily available to the patients themselves is a complex challenge. This dichotomy demonstrates the importance of healthcare systems collaborating with technology industry leaders to preserve patient records, while also making them easily accessible,” said Dr. Mark Johannsson, academic dean for University of Phoenix School of Health Services Administration.

U.S. adults are fairly split on their comfort level sharing their health care records across healthcare networks locally, across state lines and across country borders. Fifty-five percent say they are very or somewhat comfortable, and 45 percent say they are not at all or not very comfortable.

Those in their 20s and 30s were more likely to be comfortable (60 and 61 percent) than older respondents. For those in their 40s, 50s and 60s+, 55, 48 and 54 percent, respectively, are very or somewhat comfortable with the possibility of their healthcare records being shared.