Oh, the humble fax machine, a stalwart of communication in the healthcare industry, still chugging along despite the digital revolution. It’s like that old family car that just won’t quit, even when the shiny new models are beckoning from the showroom. But it seems our beloved fax is once again under fire, this time from Canada’s privacy commissioners.
In a recent article by Ollie Williams, we learn that the commissioners are urging healthcare providers to “phase out the use of traditional fax and unencrypted email as soon as reasonably possible.” They’re calling for a transition to “more modern, secure and interoperable digital alternatives.”
Now, we all know that fax machines have their quirks. Who can forget the NWT’s infamous fax snafu, where a hospital worker accidentally sent a patient’s records to 60 different organizations? The culprit? A “sensitive touch screen.” It’s like a sitcom plot, but with real-world privacy implications.
Yet, the fax machine persists, partly because some provinces, like Alberta, continue to use the technology. It’s a bit like a dance, isn’t it? If Alberta’s still doing the fax-machine shuffle, then so must the NWT, in a strange, paper-spitting tango.
The commissioners argue that the Covid-19 pandemic led to “rapid digital advancements,” yet privacy breaches in the health sector continue. They’re not wrong, but it’s worth noting that no technology is foolproof. Even the most modern systems have their vulnerabilities.
So, here’s to the fax machine, the healthcare industry’s enduring partner. It may be old-fashioned, it may cause a few headaches, but it’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the old ways stick around for a reason. And while we should certainly strive for progress and better privacy protections, let’s not forget to tip our hats to the trusty fax, the unsung hero of healthcare communication.
