Google Health
July 28, 2009
My column for KMWorld this month talked about the UK’s waltz with Google and Microsoft for citizen medical information. I pointed out that Google was the best looking system at the ball but Microsoft was a close second. The Guardian has tackled this topic as well. An editorial “Medical Privacy: Dr Google Will See You Now” takes a whack at the Google. For me the most interesting passage was:
But for individuals to be empowered, they must first be protected. Data is only guarded by the promises of the organisations that hold it. Users can protest if the terms of their contracts are changed, but there are no central rules around no central control. For some, that is the attraction. But do not mistake this for a right to privacy.
The Guardian’s anonymous editorial writer poked a finger in the privacy pie. My thought was that the Guardian should have pointed out that the British government tried to create a health information system but could not make it work. Google and Microsoft have systems that work. Privacy is a nice issue, but that issue can be addressed. Making the shift to digital information is likely to have other benefits such as saving a life or two. A system that does not work costs money, risks lives, and makes clear that commercial ventures may be better equipped to develop complex systems. I understand that it is fun to pick on Googzilla. But jesting aside, the UK government tried to create a system and created a giant cost sinkhole. I think that failure is reason enough to give the Google and Microsoft a chance.
Stephen Arnold, July 28, 2009
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