In the age of digital advancements, connected medical devices have revolutionized healthcare by providing real-time monitoring and personalized treatments. However, the convenience of these devices raises concerns about the kind of personal data they store and the potential risks to privacy. This article delves into the types of personal data stored on these devices and the importance of safeguarding this information.

Connected Medical Devices- What’s on them?

1. Patient Identifiable Information (PII): Connected medical devices often collect and store patient identifiable information (PII), which includes details such as full name, date of birth, address, contact information, and social security numbers. This information is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately identify patients and maintain proper medical records. Safeguarding PII is essential to prevent identity theft, fraud, or unauthorized access to personal health information.
2. Medical History and Diagnosis: Connected medical devices may store comprehensive medical histories, including past diagnoses, treatments, surgeries, and medication information. This data is vital for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about patient care. However, the sensitive nature of medical history necessitates robust security measures to ensure confidentiality and prevent unauthorized disclosure.
3. Real-time Monitoring Data: Many connected medical devices, such as wearable health trackers or smart insulin pumps, continuously collect real-time data to monitor vital signs, glucose levels, sleep patterns, and more. This data provides valuable insights into patients’ health conditions and enables personalized healthcare. Safeguarding real-time monitoring data is crucial to protect individuals’ privacy and prevent potential misuse or unauthorized access to sensitive health information.
4. Geolocation and Movement: Tracking Certain connected medical devices incorporate GPS technology to track patients’ movements or to provide location-based services. While this feature can be beneficial for emergency situations or ensuring medication adherence, it also raises concerns about tracking individuals’ whereabouts and potential risks to personal safety and privacy.
5. Communication and Messaging Data: Connected medical devices often facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers through messaging systems or telemedicine platforms. These platforms may store communication logs, video recordings, and other data related to patient-provider interactions. Protecting this data is essential to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with privacy regulations.

Modern medical devices have transformed healthcare by providing personalized care and real-time monitoring. However, the storage of personal data on these devices calls for stringent privacy measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of patient information. Healthcare providers, device manufacturers, and individuals must collaborate to protect personal data and maintain trust in the rapidly evolving landscape of connected healthcare.

This protection has to occur while the device is in use, and after it’s been decommissioned. That means that storage, transportation, and disposal have to be given the same importance we give security during the device’s lifetime.