Using mobile location data in biomedical research while preserving privacy. (7th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goldenholz, Daniel M; Goldenholz, Shira R; Krishnamurthy, Kaarkuzhali B; Halamka, John; Karp, Barbara; Tyburski, Matthew; Wendler, David; Moss, Robert; Preston, Kenzie L; Theodore, William
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. Volume 25:Number 10(2018)
• Page Start: 1402
• Page End: 1406
• Publication Date: 2018-06-07
• Subjects: ethics -- big data -- mHealth -- private health information -- location-based-services -- geographic information systems -- privacy; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information Services -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Informatica; Geneeskunde; Informatique médicale; Computer network resources; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocy071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-5027

Abstract

Abstract: Location data are becoming easier to obtain and are now bundled with other metadata in a variety of biomedical research applications. At the same time, the level of sophistication required to protect patient privacy is also increasing. In this article, we provide guidance for institutional review boards (IRBs) to make informed decisions about privacy protections in protocols involving location data. We provide an overview of some of the major categories of technical algorithms and medical–legal tools at the disposal of investigators, as well as the shortcomings of each. Although there is no "one size fits all" approach to privacy protection, this article attempts to describe a set of practical considerations that can be used by investigators, journal editors, and IRBs.