Digital patient records with HDS-certified hosting: a practical guide
Moving to digital patient records involves traceability, confidentiality and the retention of health data. Here is what to check when choosing a system.
Countries covered : France
Moving to a digital patient record is not just a matter of convenience: it is a choice that affects the traceability, confidentiality and retention of health data.
This page explains what a digital record must provide and how to choose one. For the concept of HDS-certified hosting itself, see our dedicated page; the focus here is practical.
What a digital record offers
A well-designed system brings information together, makes it easier to update, secures access and improves continuity of care. No more lost loose sheets: everything is in one place, traceable and backed up.
What it must provide
- Traceability. The ability to trace every action taken in the patient’s care.
- Restricted access. Limit access to authorised people only, in accordance with the GDPR.
- Managed retention. Keep health data in the active database for five years after the last intervention (under the framework published by France’s data protection authority, the CNIL), then archive it rather than delete it.
- HDS-certified hosting. Health data hosted by a third party requires an HDS-certified hosting provider.
- Security. Encryption, authentication, backups and continuity in the event of an incident.
- Control over data. Know where your data is and be able to retrieve it.
How to choose well
Beyond usability, examine compliance (HDS, GDPR), security, data portability (being able to retrieve your data) and integration with your documentation tools (notes, assessment reports and letters). A record system that works with your report-writing software avoids re-entering information and creating duplicates.
Making the transition successfully
Moving to digital records takes preparation: an inventory of existing records, a compliant tool, data migration and training. The aim is a transition without gaps in traceability or confidentiality.
Frequently asked questions
What is a digital patient record?
It is the digital version of the patient record: it brings care information together while providing traceability, restricted access, managed retention and security.
Why is HDS-certified hosting important?
Because when health data is hosted by a service provider, HDS certification sets the framework for secure and confidential storage. It is a priority criterion.
How long should records be retained?
Under the CNIL framework, health data is kept in the active database for five years after the last intervention, then archived rather than deleted.
How should I choose a digital patient record system?
Check compliance (HDS, GDPR), security, data portability and integration with your documentation tools, rather than usability alone.
How can I make the transition to digital records successfully?
Prepare an inventory of records, choose a compliant tool, plan data migration and training, and maintain traceability and confidentiality throughout.
Patient records and documentation together, with HDS hosting
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