Factors facilitating the perpetration of Medical Identity Theft: A case of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria

Abstract

Medical Identity Theft is a pressing concern in healthcare systems, influenced by intricate motivations and vulnerabilities. This study investigates facilitating factors behind MIT, uncovers internal vulnerabilities, and proposes mitigation strategies. This study contributes to patient well-being and trust by fostering a secure healthcare environment through holistic MIT prevention strategies. A mixed-methods approach was employed, encompassing quantitative and qualitative aspects to explore the perpetration of MIT, Zaria, a significant healthcare institution. The diverse sample of 388 participants, including patients, healthcare providers, and stakeholders, was obtained through stratified random sampling. Structured interviews and questionnaires gathered primary data. Findings showcase a diverse workforce with a mid-career presence and gender distribution in technical roles. Significant facilitating factors for MIT encompass financial gain, fraudulent service access, and expense avoidance, necessitating robust patient identification procedures and comprehensive strategies. Internal vulnerabilities and inadequate data security underscore the need for enhanced measures, updated systems, and education. Respondents endorse a multifaceted approach, advocating biometric identification, authentication, patient photograph display, unique identifiers, access controls, staff training, real-time data verification, audit trails, data encryption, and patient education. Collaboration, awareness, and technology emerge as key elements in safeguarding patient data, ethical healthcare standards, and integrity. Findings advocate a comprehensive approach, emphasizing collaboration, awareness, and technology in addressing MIT.