Evaluating the Efficacy of Biometric Authentication Techniques in Healthcare

Abstract

With the rapid advancement in digital healthcare, protecting patient data has become paramount, necessitating more robust and reliable authentication techniques. Biometric authentication, using unique physical or behavioral characteristics, is being increasingly adopted due to its potential for enhanced security. This study undertakes an in-depth comparison and evaluation of the effectiveness of various biometric authentication techniques in healthcare settings, focusing on five principal biometric techniques: fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, iris recognition, voice recognition, and hand geometry. These methods were compared in terms of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, user acceptance, and suitability for different healthcare scenarios, such as in-person visits and telemedicine consultations. The findings indicate that while all five techniques have potential for authentication in healthcare, their suitability varies depending on specific circumstances. Fingerprint recognition was found to be widely acceptable due to its ease of use and cost-effectiveness, despite concerns related to data privacy. Facial recognition, though highly accessible and non-contact, displayed issues with accuracy due to variable factors such as lighting and aging. Iris recognition showed high accuracy and stability, but its implementation was hindered by high costs and practical usage constraints. Voice recognition offered potential for remote patient authentication, but accuracy levels were compromised in noisy environments or due to voice changes from illness or aging. Hand geometry, while unique and reliable, required specialized equipment and had issues concerning user comfort and hygiene. the study suggests that a multi-factor authentication approach, combining two or more methods, may offer increased security and accuracy in healthcare settings. However, further research is needed to investigate this approach's feasibility, considering potential increases in cost and complexity.