Security Of Health Information Research Articles

Exploration of Factors Affecting Pro-social Intention to Disclose Information in Healthcare Settings

This study investigated the relationships of situational factors, motivational assessment–related factors, and situationally induced personal characteristics with pro-social intention to disclose patient information among health and medical students. In total, 210 students from Konyang University participated in the survey, including 116 medical students and 94 other health students. To measure the influence of variables on pro-social intention to disclose information related to health information security, a 27-item questionnaire was used. The reliability of the survey was shown by Cronbach’s α values of 0.859 to 0.917. According to students’ perceptions, higher disease severity was significantly related to higher impacts on the patient, family, and themselves (p<0.01), as well as higher situational empathy (p<0.05). Pro-social intention to disclose showed negative correlations with health information security awareness, information education experience, perceived impact on the self, responsibility to disclose, and personal norms (r=-0.136 to -0.647, p<0.05). Responsibility to disclose and situational empathy explained approximately 44% of the variance in pro-social intention to disclose. Additionally, students who received information security training perceived a significantly higher responsibility to disclose, exhibited higher health information security awareness, and had lower pro-social intention to disclose. This study confirmed the need for information security education for health and medical students, and suggested that pro-social characteristics such as empathy and responsibility need to be carefully addressed in information security education.

Assessing Data Security of Patient Health Information in EHMS at Kenyan Public Hospitals

Assessing Data Security of Patient Health Information in EHMS at Kenyan Public Hospitals

Developing Secure and Interoperable Health Information Systems Using Blockchain Technology to Enhance Data Privacy, Security, and Accessibility in Healthcare

Healthcare information systems are going through a huge change that will make them more efficient, safe, and easy to use. As more persistent records are digitized and private therapeutic information is shared, it is more critical than ever to create beyond any doubt that security, security, and availability are well secured. Blockchain innovation can be a great way to bargain with these issues since it makes a decentralized, unchangeable record that can be utilized to securely store and send healthcare information whereas securing its security and security. This exposition looks at how blockchain innovation might offer assistance make wellbeing data frameworks more secure and more congruous with each other. Healthcare companies can set up a trusted and unchangeable way to oversee understanding information over different frameworks and parties by utilizing blockchain independent plan, cryptography, and voting instruments. One of the leading things approximately blockchain innovation is that it can make data more private. Cryptographic instruments, like encryption and computerized marks, make it conceivable to store and share private wellbeing information securely with individuals who are permitted to see it, without compromising persistent security. Moreover, since blockchain is unchangeable, once information is recorded, it can't be changed or eradicated. This makes the history of who gotten to and changed information clear and simple to check. In conjunction with ensuring protection, blockchain innovation moreover makes things more secure by bringing down the chances of information spills and unlawful get to. Blockchain-based wellbeing data frameworks make information keeping less centralized and use solid encryption strategies to lower the chances of single focuses of failure and unlawful changes. This makes information more secure and dependable. Keen contracts on blockchain stages can too mechanize and execute get to control rules, making beyond any doubt that as it were individuals who are permitted to can see certain restorative data or do certain activities that have as of now been set up. Interoperability is another important part of modern healthcare information systems that lets different healthcare companies and systems work together and share data easily.

Secure cognitive health monitoring using a directed acyclic graph-based and AI-enhanced IoMT framework

Millions of people throughout the world struggle with mental health disorders, but the widespread stigma associated with these issues often prevents them from seeking treatment. We propose a novel strategy that integrates Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), DAG-based hedera technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to overcome these challenges. We also consider the costs of chronic diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, which often require 24-hour care. Using smart monitoring tools coupled with AI algorithms that can detect early indicators of deterioration, our system aims to provide low-cost, continuous support. Since IoMT data is large in volume, we need a blockchain network with high transaction throughput without compromising the privacy of patient data. To address this concern, we propose to use Hedera technology to ensure the privacy, and security of personal mental health information, scalability and a faster transaction confirmation rate. Overall, this research paper outlines a holistic approach to mental health monitoring that respects privacy, promotes accessibility, and harnesses the potential of emerging technologies. By combining IoMT, Hedera, and AI, we offer a solution that can help break down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking the support they need for their mental well-being. Furthermore, comparative analysis shows that our best-performing ML models achieve an accuracy of around 98%, which is more than 30% better than traditional models such as logistic regression.

When HIPAA hurts: legal barriers to texting may reinforce healthcare disparities and disenfranchise vulnerable patients.

Effective health communication between healthcare providers and patients is a cornerstone of quality healthcare. It underpins trust, comprehension, and patient-informed care. Robust research shows that effective communication, including the use of text messaging for communication can improve maternal/fetal and neonatal outcomes and patient satisfaction, particularly among vulnerable patients. Health information privacy laws that do not evolve with technological advances can inadvertently create barriers to effective health communication, reinforcing perinatal disparities. This is particularly true regarding maternal and child health, where the use of text messaging for patient communication has the potential to make a substantial impact on health disparities. This article explores the complex interplay between health information privacy laws and text messaging, highlighting challenges and examining potential solutions. It stresses the need for consistent health information privacy laws that protect the privacy security of health information for pregnant patients and new mothers, while also aligning with evolving communication technologies.

Understanding the Perspectives of Hail City Population on the Confidentiality and Privacy of Digital Health and Medical Information.

Background In the era of rapid digital advancement, the confidentiality and privacy of digital health and medical data have become paramount concerns. This study investigates the perspectives of individuals residing in Hail City regarding these critical issues, with a particular emphasis on the influence of demographic factors such as age, gender, and computer proficiency on individuals' discomfort with health professionals using computers and their trust in researchers.Gaining a deeper understanding of these factors is vital for the development of targeted interventions aimed at enhancing patient comfort and trust in digital health/medical technologies. Methodology This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, involving a survey of 775 individuals aged 18 and above in Hail City. The questionnaire was designed to gather information on participants' demographic characteristics, computer proficiency, experiences with digital health and medical information, and perceptions of health information safety and privacy. To examine the associations and predictive relationships between variables, chi-square tests, correlation analyses, and logistic regression were performed. Results Significant associations were found between gender and discomfort with health professionals using computers (chi-square = 60.29, p < 0.0001), and between age and trust in researchers regarding the privacy of medical information (chi-square = 50.14, p < 0.0001). Positive correlations were observed between computer proficiency and perception of health information safety (r = 0.12, p = 0.0002), while a negative correlation was found between computer ownership and avoidance of medical tests due to privacy concerns (r = -0.08, p = 0.03). Logistic regression analysis identified age, gender, and computer proficiency as significant predictors of discomfort with health professionals using computers. The findings highlight the crucial role that demographic factors play in shaping attitudes toward the privacy and security of digital health and medical information. Conclusions The findings of this study highlight the crucial role that demographic factors play in shaping attitudes toward the privacy and security of digital health and medical information. Gender and age were found to significantly influence individuals' levels of discomfort and trust, while computer proficiency was shown to enhance perceptions of safety. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend implementing targeted interventions, such as gender-sensitive training programs and initiatives, to enhance digital literacy and improve patient comfort and trust in digital health technologies.

How to mitigate the risks of deployment of artificial intelligence in medicine?

The aim of this study is to examine the risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine and to offer policy suggestions to reduce these risks and optimize the benefits of AI technology. AI is a multifaceted technology. If harnessed effectively, it has the capacity to significantly impact the future of humanity in the field of health, as well as in several other areas. However, the rapid spread of this technology also raises significant ethical, legal, and social issues. This study examines the potential dangers of AI integration in medicine by reviewing current scientific work and exploring strategies to mitigate these risks. Biases in data sets for AI systems can lead to inequities in health care. Educational data that is narrowly represented based on a demographic group can lead to biased results from AI systems for those who do not belong to that group. In addition, the concepts of explainability and accountability in AI systems could create challenges for healthcare professionals in understanding and evaluating AI-generated diagnoses or treatment recommendations. This could jeopardize patient safety and lead to the selection of inappropriate treatments. Ensuring the security of personal health information will be critical as AI systems become more widespread. Therefore, improving patient privacy and security protocols for AI systems is imperative. The report offers suggestions for reducing the risks associated with the increasing use of AI systems in the medical sector. These include increasing AI literacy, implementing a participatory society-in-the-loop management strategy, and creating ongoing education and auditing systems. Integrating ethical principles and cultural values into the design of AI systems can help reduce healthcare disparities and improve patient care. Implementing these recommendations will ensure the efficient and equitable use of AI systems in medicine, improve the quality of healthcare services, and ensure patient safety.

Unpacking Sociotechnical Discourses on Telehealth Use and Data Protection: A Path Towards Digital Health Value Creation.

Telehealth uptake will remain sub-optimal without consumer trust. Safeguarding the security and privacy of health information plays an important role in building trust and acceptance of telehealth. This study seeks to unpack the sociotechnical discourses on the use of telehealth with a focus on privacy and security in the context of United States health services. A search of the media outlets facilitated via the Factiva database was conducted. Using a qualitative method, thematic analysis was performed on the news texts to identify the key themes and provide contextual explanations. The analysis led to the identification of three key themes: 'data protection practice', 'clinical resilience', and 'digital health business value' perspectives. These themes focus on various concepts of telehealth use including data privacy, security, public health emergency, compliance activities in the use of telehealth, meeting stakeholders' needs, reducing costs of service delivery, the potential of telehealth for informed action, and improving users' experience. Among these themes, 'data protection practice' was directly associated with privacy compliance and telehealth use. Other thematic discourses have provided an indirect reflection on the role of privacy compliance, with a greater emphasis placed on health service delivery and market dynamics rather than compliance in practice. Our study revealed the importance of the COVID-19 pandemic in telehealth use, highlighting the move towards 'good faith' and responsible use of telehealth.

Emerging Trends in AI-Driven Health Tech: A Comprehensive Review and Future Prospects

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, specifically within the realm of health informatics (HI). The study aims to understand the impact of AI on patient treatment, research, and operational processes within healthcare systems. Additionally, it seeks to address the challenges posed by the increasing volume of unorganized and unstructured data generated by AI technologies in healthcare.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This research employs a comprehensive analysis approach, utilizing complex health information systems, clinical images, and intricate language. It examines the current utilization of AI in healthcare, focusing on its effects on patient and clinician involvement in healthcare decision-making. The assessment emphasizes key skill areas of Health Informatics, including IT, health information systems, security and privacy, telemedicine, m-Health, consumer health informatics, and clinical informatics.&#x0D; Findings: The study identifies several significant findings regarding the role of AI in healthcare. It highlights how AI technologies contribute to the generation of unstructured data, posing challenges for research and analysis. Additionally, the research underscores AI's ability to enhance personalized medical guidance, identify complex illnesses, forecast negative health occurrences, and improve patient outcomes. Moreover, it discusses AI's impact on social media and mobile apps, emphasizing its potential to gather valuable insights from online sources for a deeper understanding of patient needs and behaviors.&#x0D; Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the findings, the research suggests several recommendations for future research and progress in the field of AI usage in healthcare. These recommendations may include further exploration of AI applications in healthcare decision-making, addressing challenges related to unstructured data, enhancing security and privacy measures, and leveraging AI for improving patient outcomes and clinician engagement. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and development to maximize the potential benefits of AI in healthcare.

HHS Office for Civil Rights opens investigation into UnitedHealthcareGroup cyberattack

Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a “Dear Colleague” letter addressing the cybersecurity incident impacting Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealthcare Group (UHG), and many other health care entities. The cyberattack is disrupting health care and billing information operations nationwide and poses a direct threat to critically needed patient care and essential operations of the health care industry. OCR enforces the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules, which require that HIPAA covered entities – virtually all health care providers, clearinghouses, and insurance companies – protect the privacy and security of protected health information. The likelihood that substance use disorder (SUD) treatment information was included in the breach is very likely. However, OCR does not mention 42 CFR Part 2, just HIPAA. HHS views ransomware and hacking as the “primary cyber threats in health care.” There has been a 256% increase in large breaches involving hacking, and a 264% increase in ransomware, over the last 5 years, and this only includes those breaches OCR was notified of. $22 million was reportedly paid to the Change Healthcare hackers, in the form of bitcoin, likely from UHG, according to news reports. HHS OCR says: “If you believe that your or another person's health information privacy or civil rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with OCR at https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html.” The one bright side of the new Part 2 rules are that OCR now enforces the regulation.

Enabling secure health information sharing among healthcare organizations by public blockchain

The facilitation of sharing and exchanging patients’ health records is a paramount opportunity in e-health, enabling healthcare providers to garner a comprehensive and clear perspective of patients’ medical histories without necessitating direct inquiries. Besides this great advantage, it introduces substantial issues on security and privacy, mainly related to unauthorized access to e-health records when different healthcare service providers maintain records. In this paper, we deal with this problem and propose using the blockchain technology (1) to obfuscate the linkage between patients’ identities and their e-health records and (2) to grant access to e-health records exclusively to entities authorized by patients themselves. Key outcomes include using a digital identity based on the Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services Regulation (eIDAS) to control access to these records, and a concrete implementation by adopting the Ethereum blockchain. Our solution relies on using a public blockchain, which is an improvement for the state of the art, in which only private or consortium blockchains have been proposed. The resulting solution has been analyzed, and the effectiveness and affordability of the proposal have been shown.

Assessing Security Mechanisms for Protecting Patient Health Information at the Berekum Holy Family Hospital.

INTRODUCTION The security and privacy of patient health information remains a major concern for most health facilities in recent times where patient data can easily be shared between institutions. Patient health information is considered by many as one of the most confidential of all types of personal information. Protecting this confidentiality is therefore essential if the privacy of subjects of care is to be maintained. Securing patient health information involves security mechanisms versus any party not authorized to access the data. Security and privacy in electronic health records systems can be seriously threatened by hackers, viruses, and worms. According to studies carried out in several countries, concerns regarding data security and privacy have appeared. A recent study estimated that each year there are 25 million compelled authorizations for the disclosure of health records in the United States. In order to prevent these concerns, organizations such as the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) offer a certified program which covers a rigorous inspection of, among other things, security aspects based on existing standards, which is relevant for the United States. There is a real concern about both people’s and entities’ access levels to patient health information. A patients’ health information might be expose and accessible from several networks or devices in the health facility. (by visiting different doctors’ offices, departments, providers, etc. Security defects in some of these areas could cause the disclosure of information to unauthorized persons or companies. Patient health information therefore need protection against manipulations, unauthorized accesses and abuses, which includes taking into account training on the security techniques, encryption of health information, user-authentication and authorization. Patient health information might be tempered with to the extent that administrative staff could for example access information without the patient’s explicit consent in a financial and billing reviews. According to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009, patients’ privacy violations and breaches are becoming more expensive than ever Therefore, there is the need to assess the various security mechanisms for protecting patient health information from unauthorized access to improve the quality of care delivery.

Sağlık Bilimleri Öğrencilerinin Sağlık Okuryazarlık, Etik Duyarlılık Düzeylerinin ve Bilgi Güvenliği Farkındalıklarının Mobil Sağlık Uygulamaları (Aplikasyonları) Kullanımları Bağlamında Değerlendirilmesi

Amaç: Doğu Anadolu Bölgesi’ndeki üniversitelerde örgün eğitim-öğretim gören lisans sağlık bilimleri öğrencilerinin sağlık okuryazarlık, etik duyarlılık düzeylerinin ve bilgi güvenliği farkındalıklarının mobil sağlık uygulamaları kullanımları bağlamında değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Çalışma kesitsel tanımlayıcı araştırmadır. 2020-2021 Bahar ve Yaz Eğitim-Öğretim Dönemleri’nde Doğu Anadolu Bölgesi’ndeki araştırma iznini onaylayan 7 üniversitenin 324 (18 yaş üstü) örgün eğitim-öğretim gören lisans öğrencisi örneklemi oluşturmuştur. Veriler Tanıtıcı Bilgi Formu, Bilgi Güvenliği Farkındalık Ölçeği, Sağlık Okuryazarlığı Ölçeği, Etik Duyarlılık Ölçeği kullanılarak çevrimiçi ölçek aracılığıyla kartopu yöntemiyle toplanmıştır. Bulgular: Öğrencilerin %79’u 18-22 yaş aralığında, %75,9’u kadın, %57,1’i hemşirelik öğrencisidir. Öğrenciler sağlık okuryazarlığı eğitimi (%23,8), mobil sağlık uygulamaları eğitimi (%18,2), hasta güvenliği eğitimi (%60,2) almışlardır. Öğrencilerin bilgi güvenliği açısından saldırı ve tehditlere yönelik farkındalıklarının orta düzey, sağlık okuryazarlıklarının yüksek düzey, etik ikilem deneyimleme puanının orta düzey olduğu saptanmıştır. Eğitim alınan bölüm etik ikilem deneyimlemenin %2’sini, saldırı ve tehditlere yönelik farkındalığın %2’sini ve sağlık okuryazarlığın %2’sini açıklamaktadır. Sağlık okuryazarlık, etik ikilem deneyimlemenin %3’ünü açıklamaktadır. Sonuç: Sağlık bilimleri öğrencilerinin başarılı mobil sağlık uygulamaları kullanımları, çalışma yaşamlarında kendilerinin ve toplumun akıllı sağlık hizmetlerini etkin ve güvenli bir şekilde kullanabilmelerini, sağlık hizmetlerinin ve lisans eğitimlerinin kalitelerinin artmasını sağlayacaktır.

Cognizance About Privacy and Security of Patients Health Information among Medical and Dental Students

Background: The proliferation of electronic health records and digital medical systems has brought about significant advancements in patient care and information management. However, concerns regarding the privacy and security of patients' health information have also intensified. As future healthcare practitioners, medical and dental students play a pivotal role in ensuring the safeguarding of sensitive patient data. This study aims to assess the awareness and understanding of privacy and security issues related to patients' health information among medical and dental students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of medical and dental students from diverse academic institutions. A structured questionnaire was administered to assess participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning patient data privacy and security. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, and associations between demographic factors and awareness levels were explored. Results: The study findings reveal that while a substantial portion of medical and dental students recognize the importance of patient data privacy, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding the specific measures and protocols to ensure security. The research found that 232(71.7%) of the participants preferred electronic patient records for their ease of accessibility and 198 (61.4%) strongly valued privacy. Students expressed varying levels of understanding concerning encryption methods, access controls, and legal frameworks governing patient information. Conclusion: This study underscores the imperative for comprehensive education and training programs focusing on privacy and security of patients' health information within medical and dental curricula. As future healthcare practitioners, medical and dental students must be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge contributing to a more secure and privacy-aware healthcare environment.

Securing Health Data in Mobile Cloud Computing by a Modular Encryption Approach

Abstract: In the dynamic field of healthcare informatics, this research review explores health data security in mobile cloud computing, emphasizing modular encryption standards. In this paper, an exploration of advanced security methodologies within the Mobile Cloud Computing landscape is presented. The study examines three distinct encryption strategies – Symmetric Key Encryption, Public Key Infrastructure, and Homomorphic Encryption – each strategically employing the Modular Encryption Standard. The findings underscore the versatility of these methods in fortifying health information security within mobile environments, providing an understanding of their implementation nuances and comparative advantages. The literature critically assesses protocols, authentication methods, and vulnerabilities in healthcare contexts, extending its analysis to incorporate emerging technologies.

ZeroTrustBlock: Enhancing Security, Privacy, and Interoperability of Sensitive Data through ZeroTrust Permissioned Blockchain

With the digitization of healthcare, an immense amount of sensitive medical data are generated and shared between various healthcare stakeholders—however, traditional health data management mechanisms present interoperability, security, and privacy challenges. The centralized nature of current health information systems leads to single points of failure, making the data vulnerable to cyberattacks. Patients also have little control over their medical records, raising privacy concerns. Blockchain technology presents a promising solution to these challenges through its decentralized, transparent, and immutable properties. This research proposes ZeroTrustBlock, a comprehensive blockchain framework for secure and private health information exchange. The decentralized ledger enhances integrity, while permissioned access and smart contracts enable patient-centric control over medical data sharing. A hybrid on-chain and off-chain storage model balances transparency with confidentiality. Integration gateways bridge ZeroTrustBlock protocols with existing systems like EHRs. Implemented on Hyperledger Fabric, ZeroTrustBlock demonstrates substantial security improvements over mainstream databases via cryptographic mechanisms, formal privacy-preserving protocols, and access policies enacting patient consent. Results validate the architecture’s effectiveness in achieving 14,200 TPS average throughput, 480 ms average latency for 100,000 concurrent transactions, and linear scalability up to 20 nodes. However, enhancements around performance, advanced cryptography, and real-world pilots are future work. Overall, ZeroTrustBlock provides a robust application of blockchain capabilities to transform security, privacy, interoperability, and patient agency in health data management.

Digital Technology in Hospital Administration: A Strategic Choice.

Digital technology has encompassed all aspects of healthcare. There are many international and national organizations, guidelines, and formats available in health information systems (HIS), but many are presently still not being used in India. The aim is to give a flawless, secure, and user-friendly health information technology (IT) system for Indian healthcare. We discuss the timeline of digital technology in hospital administration, administrative applications, and the importance of clinical quality in health. Clinical perspectives of clinical information systems (CIS), both in acute as well as chronic clinical care models. Cross-integration of healthcare in IT (HIT) in electronic health records (EHR) or electronic medical records (EMRs), in chronic disease management (CDM) systems, and in clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are elaborated. Also, practical strategic application methods are discussed. The limitations of the current HIS software in India are mostly used for transaction reporting, prescription, and administrative tools. They lack CIS and strategic business applications as compared to mature multinational company (MNC) HIS software. Along with this, various features and levels of HIS Software, challenges of HIT adoption, Indian health IT standards, and the future framework of IT in health in India are systematically analyzed. We aim at all physicians in India and at all levels of practice, from individuals, group practices, health institutes, or corporate hospitals, and to encourage them to make strategic use of CIS and strategic IT applications in their individual practice and hospital management. This will improve clinical outcomes, patient safety, practitioner performance, adherence to treatment guidelines, and reduction in medical errors, along with efficiency improvements and cost reductions. How to cite this article: Taneja D, Kulkarni SV, Sinha S, et al. Digital Technology in Hospital Administration: A Strategic Choice. J Assoc Physicians India 2023;71(10):83-88.

A Modular Encryption Framework in Cloud and Mobile Environments for Cybersecurity Solutions in Health Information

The rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare information systems, ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive health data is paramount. This abstract introduces an encryption framework designed for the unique challenges posed by cloud and mobile environments, offering robust cybersecurity solutions for health information. The framework integrates cutting-edge encryption technologies tailored to the specific requirements of both cloud-based storage and mobile devices, addressing the dynamic nature of healthcare data access. In cloud environments, the framework employs advanced encryption algorithms to protect data at rest, in transit, and during processing. Additionally, it leverages key management strategies to ensure secure access control and mitigate unauthorized breaches. For mobile platforms, the framework focuses on end-to-end encryption, safeguarding health information across diverse devices while considering the inherent vulnerabilities of mobile networks. Furthermore, it incorporates secure authentication mechanisms to fortify access points and prevent unauthorized entry. This comprehensive Modular encryption framework represents a proactive approach to healthcare cybersecurity, acknowledging the critical importance of safeguarding patient data. By seamlessly integrating encryption measures into both cloud and mobile environments, it provides a robust solution to the multifaceted challenges in health information security, fostering a resilient and protected digital ecosystem for healthcare providers and patients alike.

A Framework for Securing Health Information using Blockchain in Cloud Hosted Cyber Physical Systems

A Framework for Securing Health Information using Blockchain in Cloud Hosted Cyber Physical Systems

Efficient Key Generation Techniques for Wireless Body Area Network

In wireless body area network health care applications, energy-constraint wearable devices are used to monitor patient physiological parameters. The security of the private health information of a person plays a significant role because if it is captured and read by an unauthorized person, the confidentiality of the patient data is lost. Therefore, there is a requirement to secure the data by performing encryption to transfer it into an unreadable form. Since the resources used for encryption should be kept to a minimum as the devices are attached to the human body, a lightweight encryption algorithm has to be used. Therefore, the generation of a unique key used for encryption plays a significant role. In work, generating a unique key uses the ECG values taken from MIT-BIH Arrhythmia database. Four unique keys are generated, which can be used for encryption. The uniqueness and randomness of the keys generated are proved using the runs test and frequency test within the block. Also, the average hamming distance calculated between the ECG keys generated from two different ECG signals is 62.5% (approx 80 bits), which proves the distinctiveness of the keys generated. Implementation of the work is performed using Matlab.