From July 2 to 5, the University of Antwerp hosted the conference titled Intersectionality & Inclusion in Health.
The goal is to provide a critical lens to understand the complex and multifaceted nature of health disparities, healthcare access, and individuals’ experiences within the healthcare system.
We are Molecularly in It! Endoptikon, Circulation of Health Data, and Risk of Online Identity Theft
In this context, Annalisa Plava, Ph.D. and Research Fellow at EITHOS, University of Bologna, presented the paper titled We are Molecularly in It! Endoptikon, Circulation of Health Data, and Risk of Online Identity Theft on behalf Veronica Moretti and Antonio Maturo.
Her speech focused on the issue of online identity theft, particularly concerning health data. She critically analyzed this often overlooked and underestimated problem in our daily interactions with material, digital, and virtual environments. However, this has emerged as a crucial issue, as highlighted by empirical research conducted by the University of Bologna.
Consequences of health data breaches
Health data breaches can have serious consequences, including compromising confidential information like patient records and causing reputational damage. In some cases, sabotage can lead to delays or even the suspension of treatments, including lifesaving ones.
Unfortunately, victims of medical identity theft often lack rights and resources comparable to even the minimum available for dealing with identity theft in other fields. As a result, the consequences can be particularly severe.
How to Raise Awareness among Health Institutions
Concerned about this issue and the lack of support for patients, this group of researchers is hopeful that raising awareness among health institutions about available resources and methods to prevent such incidents will lead to improvement. To support this endeavor, please share this article.
Related links
20th Biennial ESHMS conference 2024: Intersectionality & Inclusion in Health