Physicians' Perspectives on HL7 Information Policy Sensitive Value Set: A Validation Study through Health Concept...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Record Management
• Patient Consent Technology

Background:

• The Health Level 7 (HL7) organization developed an Information Sensitivity Policy Value Set with 45 categories.
• The aim is to enable granular electronic consent for patient control over sensitive medical records.

Purpose of the Study:

• This study explored physicians' viewpoints on HL7 sensitive data categories for the first time.
• To revise and validate these categories for improved patient-friendly and inclusive electronic consent.

Main Methods:

• A two-survey approach was used with twelve physicians.
• The first survey involved revisions to 21 HL7 categories based on physician feedback.
• The second survey involved physicians classifying 600 clinical data items using the updated categories, with data analyzed using descriptive measures and heat maps.

Main Results:

• Physicians suggested 19 new categories and modifications to 25 existing category definitions in the first survey.
• Two new categories and sixteen revised definitions were incorporated, enhancing patient-friendly and inclusive language.
• The second survey led to recommendations for additional categories from ten physicians.

Conclusions:

• Physicians' input is crucial for future revisions of HL7 categories.
• Validating categories with patient data and incorporating patient perspectives are recommended.
• Developing patient-centric category specifications is essential for effective electronic consent systems.