In democratic models, a majority may consent for all. While accidents of history may explain much of how issues are categorized and decided , the democratic principle is that the more important, onerous or burdensome a choice is for individuals, the more compelling it is to seek individual consent if it is practical to do so. Yet the same survey confirmed a strong belief in the benefits of electronic information, however, implying some willingness to trade off risks to privacy. Given the engineering and policy uncertainties, the terms of trade cannot be articulated with precision. But it is surely possible to have a general debate, on the value of privacy and confidentiality, compared to that from clinical, research and public health improvements linked to information technology.
Most health professionals are convinced of the benefits.
Statistics like the above suggest a considerable educational burden for those who wish to convince the public that they are worth the risks.