What best describes the appropriate approach to sharing data for research or quality improvement to protect privacy?

• A. Use de-identified data whenever possible
• B. Share PHI with all team members regardless of role
• C. Post patient information publicly for transparency
• D. Store data on unsecured devices

Answer: (C)

Protect privacy by sharing data in a de-identified form whenever possible. De-identifying data means removing or coding information that could identify an individual, so you can analyze trends for research or quality improvement without exposing people. When de-identified data suffices, it minimizes risk while preserving usefulness. If more detail is necessary, use a limited data set with a data use agreement that restricts uses and prohibits re-identification, still maintaining privacy safeguards. Always apply strong access controls, secure transfers, encryption, and audit logs to protect the data. Sharing identifiable information broadly, posting patient details publicly, or storing data on unsecured devices increases privacy risk and should be avoided.