MJA
MJA

Clinical software on personal mobile devices needs regulation

Sulakshan Rasiah and Jonathan K Kam
Med J Aust 2013; 198 (10): . || doi: 10.5694/mja12.11657
Published online: 3 June 2013

To the Editor: Fernando makes a valid statement on the need for regulation of clinical software on personal mobile devices (PMDs).1 Her timely comment regarding acting now before the “courts decide” is fair, given that many doctors, including a high percentage of specialist trainees, are now using PMDs.2 However, it is important for doctors to remember that the security risks highlighted by Fernando are not just limited to clinical software. Other intrinsic functions of PMDs — such as text messaging, and video and image capture and transfer — need careful consideration too. These tools are commonly used by doctors to convey information to one another and their use may involve storing potentially sensitive information.3

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