Privacy Policy

1. About This Research

The Institute for Healthcare Technology Research (IHTR) is an independent research organization dedicated to advancing healthcare technology through academic research, expert collaboration, and knowledge transfer. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information in connection with our healthcare technology research initiatives.

2. Research Purpose and Scope

Our research focuses on:

• Healthcare administration platform analysis and evaluation
• Claims processing and revenue cycle management studies
• System integration and interoperability research
• Healthcare IT modernization and best practices documentation
• Industry trend analysis and technology adoption studies
• Knowledge transfer and educational content development

3. Information We Collect for Research

3.1 Survey Response Data

When you participate in our research surveys, we collect:

• Professional Information: Name, job title, organization, experience level, areas of expertise
• Contact Information: Email address, phone number (optional), geographic location
• Research Responses: Your answers to survey questions about healthcare technology platforms, challenges, and recommendations
• Follow-up Preferences: Your interest in participating in additional research activities
• Referral Information: Contact details of colleagues you recommend for research participation (with their consent)

3.2 Technical Information

For research quality and security purposes, we automatically collect:

• IP address and general geographic location
• Browser type and version
• Device information and screen resolution
• Survey completion timestamps and duration
• Website interaction data for improving research methodology

4. How We Use Your Information

4.1 Primary Research Purposes

• Academic Research: Analyzing healthcare technology trends, challenges, and opportunities
• Industry Analysis: Understanding platform usage, satisfaction levels, and modernization needs
• Best Practices Documentation: Developing evidence-based recommendations for the healthcare industry
• Knowledge Transfer: Creating educational content and research publications
• Expert Network Building: Facilitating collaboration among healthcare technology professionals

4.2 Research Communication

• Inviting participation in follow-up studies or expert panels
• Facilitating peer referrals for expanded research participation
• Communicating about steering committee and advisory opportunities
• Providing updates on research progress when requested

5. Research Data Protection and Anonymization

5.1 Data Anonymization

• Individual responses are anonymized in research analysis and reporting
• Published research findings do not identify specific individuals or organizations
• Aggregate data is used for trend analysis and industry insights
• Personal identifiers are separated from research data in our analysis

5.2 Data Security Measures

• SSL encryption for all data transmission
• Secure database storage with access controls
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited access to research data on a need-to-know basis
• Secure backup and disaster recovery procedures

6. Information Sharing for Research Purposes

6.1 Academic and Research Sharing

We may share anonymized, aggregated research data with:

• Academic institutions and research partners
• Healthcare industry associations for educational purposes
• Peer-reviewed journals and research publications
• Conference presentations and industry forums

6.2 What We Never Share

• Individual survey responses with identifying information
• Personal contact information without explicit consent
• Proprietary or confidential organizational information
• Data for commercial or marketing purposes unrelated to research

7. Research Participant Rights

7.1 Your Research Participation Rights

• Voluntary Participation: All research participation is entirely voluntary
• Withdrawal: You may withdraw from research participation at any time
• Data Access: You may request access to your research data
• Data Correction: You may request correction of inaccurate information
• Data Deletion: You may request deletion of your research data (subject to research integrity requirements)

7.2 Communication Preferences

• You may opt out of research communications at any time
• You can update your communication preferences
• You can choose which types of research activities to participate in

8. Research Data Retention

We retain research data for the following periods:

• Active Research Data: During the research project period and analysis phase
• Published Research: Anonymized data supporting published research is retained per academic standards
• Contact Information: Retained only as long as you consent to research participation
• Withdrawn Consent: Data is anonymized or deleted upon withdrawal request

9. International Research Collaboration

As part of our research mission, we may collaborate with international research institutions. Any international data sharing:

• Involves only anonymized, aggregated research data
• Complies with applicable data protection regulations
• Maintains the same privacy protection standards
• Serves legitimate academic and research purposes

10. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our research website uses:

• Essential Cookies: Required for survey functionality and security
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how participants interact with our research platform
• Research Cookies: To improve survey design and participant experience

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

11. Research Ethics and Compliance

Our research practices comply with:

• Academic research ethics standards
• Healthcare industry privacy requirements
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) requirements
• Professional research organization guidelines

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our research practices or legal requirements. We will:

• Post updated policies on our research website
• Notify research participants of significant changes
• Maintain the same level of privacy protection
• Provide opportunity to review and consent to changes

13. Research Transparency

This privacy policy reflects our commitment to protecting research participant privacy while advancing healthcare technology knowledge through rigorous, independent research.