Fingerprint scanners help improve record security
Benefits outweigh some initial glitches
St. John's Mercy Medical Center in Chesterfield, MO, has found a high-tech solution to the challenge of balancing the need for security of patient records with easy access for physicians and staff.
In July 2005, the ED began testing a system from Sentillion in Andover, MA, that uses fingerprint scanners and identification badges that automatically can unlock a computer when the authorized user approaches. Each person authorized to use the computer terminal wears a special "proximity" badge that looks similar to any other plastic identification badge. When the user approaches within a few feet of the terminal, the computer automatically unlocks. The user verifies his or her identity by placing a finger in a small reader.
Dennis Keithly, MD, FACEP, chairman of the ED, and Jennifer Cordia, RN, BSN, ED director, are enthusiastic about the new system. However, Keithly concedes, as with any technology solution, the implementation process has not been without its challenges. "We have had some difficulties, requiring us to deactivate a fair amount of the system," he notes. "Personally, however, I love it."
Cordia adds, "I really like it. In fact, I'd like to see it used on more than just computers."
Another bonus, says Keithly, is that the scanners haven't cost the ED a penny. They come out of the health system's information technology (IT) budget, he explains.
Control, privacy ensured
The strong point of the system is that it gives you absolute privacy and control over the terminal, says Keithly.
"Our department is crowded, and commonly we will have patients in corridors and not in regular exam rooms," he says. "While you're treating them there, however, nobody can access your computer without your presence."
You turn your badge on by pushing a tiny button on the bottom of the badge, he notes. "It's good for eight hours, and with additional clicks it can go to 10," he says. (The longest ED shifts are 10 hours. If a staffer stays beyond that period, they can log off and then be assigned to another computer with another badge.) When you push the button, a tiny light flashes that indicates it has been activated.
In effect, Keithly explains, the proximity badge is the log in, and the fingerprint is the password. "You go to the computer, which reads the badge and throws up a name recognition screen; then, you can use the fingerprint reader, and it will throw your page up," he explains. If you walk away, the screen goes blank and comes on only when you walk back.
In addition to the privacy benefits, Cordia says the system is a big timesaver.
The ED is different than other areas because they have to get in and out of their computers so quickly, she says. "It's difficult to have to log in and put in your password and keep doing it," she says. "The ease of a single sign-on combined with the fingerprint scanner is a real timesaver."
While it may save only a minute or so with a given user, "that adds up," Cordia insists. In addition, she says, it ensures better compliance in terms of individuals logging in and out. "In a more traditional system, a single computer may typically run one whole day on one person's log-in," she says.
Staff complaints noted
Keithly says the reason that some of the system is down is because there have been some staff complaints.
"One person said if someone sat next to you, the machine might read their badge, so it can override your badge and gain control of the computer," he says. "As for the finger readers, sometimes you have to shift from one hand to another because it doesn't always pick up your first finger."
Keithly's not convinced, however, that all problems with sign-off reside with the system. "My opinion is the user turned away and it shielded their badge from the screen," he offers.
Cordia also thinks the problem may lie with the badges and not the reader. "The problem is they came up with both pieces at the same time, so people tend to blame one part of the system on the other," she says.
As for the fingerprint reader, she says if you're careful placing your finger properly on the reader and not pressing too hard, there are no problems. "The nursing staff really likes that piece," she says.
Keithly says he loves the system and still is happy to use it. "I regret we're not active on all our machines right now," he says. In fact, he adds, the scanner is scheduled to go hospitalwide. "I'm anxious to bring it back [full force] and work out any kinks."
Sources/Resource
For more information on fingerprint scanners, contact:
- Jennifer Cordia, RN, BSN, ED Director, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, Chesterfield, MO. Phone: (314) 251-6251.
- Dennis Keithly, MD, FACEP, Chairman, Emergency Department, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, Chesterfield, MO. Phone: (314) 251-6816.
For more information on the technology of fingerprint scanners and identification badges, contact:
- Sentillion, 40 Shattuck Road, Suite 200, Andover, MA 01810. Phone: (978) 689-9095. Fax: (978) 688-2313. E-mail (general information): [email protected]. E-mail (sales): [email protected].
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