Goodwin, LauraCourtney, KarenKirby, J. DavidIannacchione, Mary AnnManley, Tina2015-06-102015-06-1020022002Goodwin, L., Courtney, K., Kirby, J., Iannacchione, M., & Manley, T. (October 2002). A Pilot Study: Patients Perceptions About the Privacy of Their Medical Records. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics (OJNI). Vol. 6, No. 3.http://ojni.org/1002/courtney.htmhttp://hdl.handle.net/1828/6249PDF made from the source html document.A descriptive pilot study was designed to explore patients’ perceptions of privacy and trust within the context of data sharing and their personal health information. Results (n=92) found that patients were generally unaware, misinformed, or confused about data and personal health information practices and believed that there was less data sharing than is routinely practiced in health care. Nearly 85% of patients studied reported "total" to "pretty good" levels of trust in their health care system. Less than 5% indicated they “didn't care much” about personal health information privacy. Prior problems with privacy of their medical records were reported by 13% of the subjects. With enactment of The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 PL 104-191 (CMS, 2002), health care organizations have federally mandated privacy regulations. Improving patient and provider education about data storage, sharing, and protection will evolve as HIPAA regulations are implemented. However, improved education carries an additional risk of eroding patient trust in the health care system as consumers become more aware of widespread data sharing in health care.enPrivacyPatient TrustPersonal Health InformationPatient RecordsData SharingArticle