Metadata Envelope for Patient Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for collecting, processing, and analyzing patient data are complex and difficult to manage due to varying regulations and security concerns, with limited security measures applied only during data transmission, leaving patient data vulnerable when at rest.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves encapsulating patient data within a metadata envelope with specified security and privacy attributes, using a schema-defined metadata envelope that remains secure even when the data is at rest, and implementing a publisher-subscriber data exchange model with native security and privacy attributes to ensure secure data handling and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional IT systems are used to collect, process, and analyze patient data with multiple security layers at network and storage points, then data security during transmission is improved, but system complexity increases and data remains vulnerable when at rest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a metadata envelope that encapsulates patient data, creating a nested structure where metadata attributes are embedded within the data container itself. This envelope travels with the data through the system, carrying security and privacy instructions internally rather than requiring external security systems at each processing point.
Solution Approach 2:
The metadata envelope enables patient data to carry its own security and privacy instructions autonomously. The envelope contains embedded attributes that automatically guide handling, storage, and transmission requirements without requiring external security systems to interpret or enforce policies at each system boundary.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If varying types of encryption and security layers are applied at network, firewall, gateway, and storage devices, then data protection during transmission is improved, but security measures are insufficient when data is at rest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies security and privacy attributes to patient data before the data enters the system or is stored. The metadata envelope is created in advance with embedded security instructions, ensuring protection is already in place before data reaches storage devices or processing systems, rather than relying on post-hoc security measures.
Solution Approach 2:
By nesting metadata attributes within the data envelope structure, the patent ensures security instructions travel with the data throughout its lifecycle including at-rest storage. The envelope maintains its protective structure regardless of the data's state (in-transit or at-rest), providing continuous security coverage.
3Reliability
If complex heterogeneous systems are built to manage patient data exchange with multiple security checkpoints, then data security is improved, but ease of operation and system management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The metadata envelope serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains patient data, carries security attributes, stores privacy instructions, and provides handling guidance. This single universal structure replaces the need for separate security systems, policies, and management layers that would otherwise be required at each processing point.
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope's embedded metadata attributes enable automated decision-making about data handling, storage, and transmission requirements. Systems can automatically process the envelope based on its self-contained instructions without requiring complex external security management or interpretation of separate security policies.
4Productivity
If patient data is accessed and shared across multiple systems and entities, then patient outcomes and research capabilities are improved, but security and privacy compliance becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The metadata envelope embeds consent information and privacy attributes before data sharing occurs. This preliminary tagging ensures that when data is accessed or shared across systems for patient care or research, the compliance requirements are already established and travel with the data, making regulatory adherence automatic rather than requiring verification at each access point.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient data exchange system comprises at least one device. Each of the devices implements an interface. When a device in the patient data exchange system publishes patient data, the device generates a metadata envelope that encapsulates the patient data. The metadata envelope conforms to a schema that defines allowable metadata attributes of the metadata envelope. When a device in the patient data exchange system receives a metadata envelope that conforms to the schema, the device determines, based at least in part on a metadata attribute of the metadata envelope, a particular patient data handling policy to apply to patient data encapsulated by the metadata envelope. In some instances, the metadata attribute indicates that authorization is required from an authorization service to access the patient data encapsulated by the metadata envelope.