BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: RAD-AID works to expand access to radiology services around the globe. In many sites this may include introducing basic X-ray and ultrasound services to health care, and in others it may involve developing innovative technological advances to basic imaging services already provided to patients. During the past year, RAD-AID has been planning to expand cloud IT architectures to many of these sites. Incorporating cloud storage for digital information and patient data reflects many advancements in the provision of health care, from expanding access to imaging in rural areas where there may not physically be radiologists to improving health data efficiencies by organizing data to best provide care to patients. RAD-AID has been working to implement these services in countries across the world, including sites in South America, Africa, and Asia. A key component of this project expansion is ensuring that using the cloud for patient data, and storing patient health information in a secure cloud, is in line with the country’s internal regulatory policies and laws.

METHODS: This research examines regulations on cloud services and health data of ten countries where RAD-AID works closely with local partners on technological advancement in radiology, including Laos, Guyana, Nigeria, Nepal, Rwanda, Vietnam, Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and India. Internet searches for original text of government regulations and policies, news articles, and discussions with physicians working in these countries formed the basis for this research.

RESULTS: Laos’ 2017 Law on the Protection of Electronic Data prohibits against “[circulating data] without authorization from the owner.” Guyana’s 2007 Regulations Made Under the Health Facilities Licensing Act mandate that every healthcare facility is required to have policies in place to maintain the confidentiality of patient records. Nigeria has further specific mandates included in The National Health Act, 2014 regarding confidential patient data, patient consent to access medical data, and control measures to protect this data. RAD-AID is in the process of implementing cloud storage in these three countries; similar laws also exist in other countries where RAD-AID may implement this new storage platform with local partners.

CONCLUSION: Many countries have broad national policies about patient privacy but few specific policies about using the cloud for data storage in healthcare. However, many countries are in the process of creating governmental policies as they relate to the cloud. In close collaboration with in-country partners, global health teams should be aware of these regulations to ensure that the implementation of new health technology protects patient data and expands access to care, while also being guided by the country’s policies on health data and cloud infrastructure.

EXAMINING INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY CLOUD STORAGE FRAMEWORKS TO EXPAND ACCESS TO RADIOLOGY IN GLOBAL HEALTH SETTINGS

[2019-2020 Research Week Abstract Book](https://issuu.com/georgina.osorio/docs/1st_annual_mount_sinai_morningside__f91ffc12fb7eb1?fr=sNzQ1MzE0NzM3MDY)