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Doctors Weigh In on Human RFID Implants
3 CommentsI often receive e-mails with such cryptic messages as "They will implant these devices in us without our knowledge," or "One day, they will force us to have every child implanted with radio frequency identification." These correspondents never identify exactly who "they" are, but one thing is clear: "They" are not American doctors.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has just released a report on the use of RFID implants to track medical patients (see Report of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs: Radio Frequency ID Devices in Humans). On the positive side, the report says that RFID tags could promote "the timely identification of patients and expedite access to their medical information," adding that the technology could also "improve the continuity and coordination of care, with resulting reduction in adverse drug events and other medical errors." Finally, the document notes, RFID could make medical processes more efficient, enabling caregivers to quickly access diagnostic tests and other patient information.
The powerful AMA, however, did not give the technology a blanket endorsement. Rather, the report indicated: "These devices may present physical risks to the patient. Though they are removable, their small size allows them to migrate under the skin, making them potentially difficult to extract."
The report went on to add this warning: "RFID tags may cause electromagnetic interference, which may interfere with electrosurgical devices and defibrillators. Finally, it has not been determined whether RFID tags might affect the efficacy of pharmaceuticals."
The AMA's report raised some questions about whether tag data could be picked up by unauthorized readers. It recommended the technology only be used with the approval of patients after they've been warned of the potential problems, and that doctors use the same level of security with RFID devices as they currently do with medical records. It's hard to argue with any of these recommendations.
Download the AMA's report.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has just released a report on the use of RFID implants to track medical patients (see Report of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs: Radio Frequency ID Devices in Humans). On the positive side, the report says that RFID tags could promote "the timely identification of patients and expedite access to their medical information," adding that the technology could also "improve the continuity and coordination of care, with resulting reduction in adverse drug events and other medical errors." Finally, the document notes, RFID could make medical processes more efficient, enabling caregivers to quickly access diagnostic tests and other patient information.
The powerful AMA, however, did not give the technology a blanket endorsement. Rather, the report indicated: "These devices may present physical risks to the patient. Though they are removable, their small size allows them to migrate under the skin, making them potentially difficult to extract."
The report went on to add this warning: "RFID tags may cause electromagnetic interference, which may interfere with electrosurgical devices and defibrillators. Finally, it has not been determined whether RFID tags might affect the efficacy of pharmaceuticals."
Download the AMA's report.
READERS' COMMENTS
AMA is not made of data security experts
While I am not a doctor, it is quite obvious electromagnetic interference could pose issues within a medical setting. Further, I would not look to the AMA to help determine, "whether tag data could be picked up by unauthorized readers." Of course this is an issue, as the technology uses the LF technology which sends all data in_the_clear (they don't even use the TI DST technology used in Exxon's SpeedPass). True, the unauthorized reads would lead to a useless ID number, but that is bothersome to many people. The fact is that this should be used on a voluntary basis. The eternal quest for the positive merits of anything RFID related on this website prevents any true constructive criticism and dialog from taking place. Cherry picking stories (and emails) regarding RFID technology is a disservice to the whole industry, vendors to end users. I will be writing about these topics at transponderance.com to provide some insight and analysis about these topics, rather than spewing press release mumbo-jumbo about supposed ROI's within 14 months.
Posted By: transponderance 8/6/07 at 10:45 AM
RFID Implants ARE Voluntary
Thanks for your post. No one is quoting doctors as commenting on whether or not the data on the tag is secure. What I wrote is that doctor's raised concerns about the possibility of data being skimmed from a tag. Most doctors are not data experts, which is why the AMA didn't take a definitive position. As for your comment that implants should be voluntary, let me ask you a question: Who on God's green earth has ever suggested otherwise? We are not searching for the merits of RFID; we cover real benefits for businesses daily. The benefits for consumers will be equally real, but further down the road. We don't cherry-pick stories or e-mails; we cover all the issues fairly and objectively. If you have anything intelligent to say at Transponderance, let us know and we'll cover it. But from what I can see, your post is nothing more than an attempt to promote the event and contributes nothing to the ongoing dialogue about RFID and privacy.
Posted By: Mark Roberti 8/9/07 at 12:46 PM
RFID and healthcare
There have been a number of articles written regarding the issues of RFID and healthcare. Medical device companies are very interested in using RFID to implant with their technologies. Georgia Tech has a test lab that works with these companies to independently find issues as mentioned in the RFID Journal article. At least one company has developed an RFID tag that can withstand gamma radiation for sterilization purposes for these devices. There is a non-profit in DC that works with nursing homes to use RFID tags for Alzheimer’s patients in case they wonder off the premises so these patients can be found in a relatively short period of time. As with medical technology there is an ongoing evolution like any technology including RFID. It is interesting that VP of the US has a programmable device (ICD) imbedded in his body to shock his heart if needed and that device can be programmed remotely. I have not heard concerns about somebody getting their hands on one of these programmers.
Posted By: David Frenkel 8/13/07 at 11:37 AM