"New Principles for Patient Data Use Balance Research Benefits, Individual Privacy"
The American Heart Association (AHA) has published new policy guidance regarding collecting, storing, ethically using, and sharing patient data. Consumers and patients likely know about social media companies' health information collection strategies and practices. However, many are unaware that data collection and sharing can be incredibly valuable for advancing health research that could lead to discoveries and more informed health decisions. Concerns about privacy in the handling of sensitive health information accompany these advances. The new AHA policy statement, "Principles for Health Information Collection, Sharing, and Use," has been published in the Association's peer-reviewed journal, Circulation. This article continues to discuss the guiding principles outlined by the AHA that will help protect patients' privacy.