Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Which of the following is typically seen as a valid reason for data de-identification?

1. Improving data accuracy

2. Facilitating data sharing for research

3. Enhancing user engagement

4. Reducing data entry costs

The correct answer is: Facilitating data sharing for research

Data de-identification is the process of removing or altering personal information in a dataset so that individuals cannot be readily identified. This practice is especially important in the context of health information management, as it aims to protect patient privacy while allowing for the use of data in research and analysis. Facilitating data sharing for research is broadly recognized as a valid reason for data de-identification. By removing identifiable characteristics, researchers can use data to analyze trends, outcomes, and other significant health-related information without compromising individual privacy. This is crucial for ethical research practices and for compliance with privacy legislation, such as Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Researchers can investigate broader questions and generate insights that can lead to improving public health outcomes without risking the confidentiality of participants. In contrast, improving data accuracy, enhancing user engagement, and reducing data entry costs do not align with the primary purpose of data de-identification. While these factors may be advantageous in their own right, they do not directly relate to the key motive of de-identifying data, which is to safeguard personal information while promoting responsible data use.