This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) Office of the Chief Privacy Officer announced the release of a web-based patient privacy and security training module.  The module is the ONC’s first web-based training module, which was developed in coordination with the Regional Extension Center Program’s Privacy and Security Community of Practice, in order to increase understanding and raise awareness among health care providers of common privacy and security issues related to health information technology.

The training module uses a game format requiring users to respond to various privacy and security challenges faced by a typical medical practice.  Users must choose the correct response in order to earn points, unlock tips, and allow their virtual medical practices to flourish.  Wrong decisions may hurt users’ virtual practices.

While the ONC’s training module may be a good introductory resource for your staff, it may not take the place of your annual privacy and security training.

You may access the training module here.