EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Working with encrypted memory sticks/ flash drives

In this Trust (York) all usb ports on networked pc's will read from standard sticks but only write to Trust issued encrypted sticks with an additional secure logon. This is to prevent unauthorised copying of patient data onto a stick which could then be 'lost' and found /read by anyone. It has caused a few problems but nothing which could not be resolved fairly quickly. In this case could the images be copied directly to the pc, usb-usb? We've a growing issue over the security of patient data held in equipment - Does anyone have a policy/procedure for dealing with this?

Currently the ultrasound scanner is capable of transfering the image in a number of different formats including JPEG, BMP and AVI's. I'm really not sure how or where the encryption takes place but unless IT departments tell manufacturers what they are implementing there are going to be a lot of people who suddenly find they can't easily tranfer data from kit to PC. They could in some cases transfer the images to DVD - they haven't thought of that yet!

Oh well ... there's always the good old Sony* printer!

* Other makes of photo quality printer are available.

I don't think the images could be tranferred USB -USB uless you uses a memory stick but this approach would work for me, it may just depends on what other trusts implement. The altenative of course is to use DICOM brrrr over a Network

We are running a full PACS system except for Echocardio. So the solution for us would be to transfer the images to the PACS server and download the image via a connected PC.

Sonix,
To answer your original question.
Encryptation of all network attachable and data downloadable devices is to be implemented across the whole NHS shortly.
Trusts will not have the same sware installed.
This will obviusly cause loads of hassle nationwide. But individual patient and hospital data will be more secure.
And IT&M depts will have lots more work.
Guess who suggested the multi sware approach.