Biometrics is changing the way we identify ourselves across various sectors, and healthcare is no exception. Traditional authentication methods such as passwords and cards open up loopholes for fraud, breaches, and the loss of sensitive data. In this context, the adoption of biometric technologies has proven to be a promising solution.
According to the Passwords and Biometrics in Brazil survey, conducted by Mobile Time and Opinion Box, biometric authentication is already part of daily life for many Brazilians. The study reveals that 29% of respondents consider facial recognition to be the most secure form of authentication, while 26% prefer fingerprint scanning. This data reflects not only trust in the technology but also society’s willingness to adopt it in essential areas such as hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.
But how can a healthcare institution choose the most suitable biometric technology? We’ll show you below. Here, you’ll learn the pros and cons of each type of biometrics, understand how facial recognition and fingerprint scanning work, and discover the costs of implementation. Stay with me!
What are facial and fingerprint biometrics and how do they work
Biometrics is a technology that uses mathematics and statistics to identify individuals based on their physical or behavioral characteristics. For example, instead of relying on traditional methods like ID badges, handwritten signatures, or PIN codes, biometrics uses personal data that is difficult to replicate.
The two most popular forms of biometrics — facial and fingerprint recognition — have broad applications and can even be combined. Let’s take a closer look at how each one works:
Facial biometrics
Facial biometrics uses advanced algorithms to analyze the unique features of a person’s face. The system creates a “facial map” based on details such as:
- Distance between the eyes.
- Shape of the nose.
- Contours of the jaw and chin.
- Other specific facial points.
This process generates a unique mathematical model, which is securely stored and used for future comparisons during authentication. Here’s how it works:
One of the main advantages of facial biometrics is the ability to perform recognition quickly, conveniently, and efficiently using just a camera, such as the one on a smartphone.
However, like any other technology, facial recognition also has its challenges. These include:
- Sensitivity to lighting: poor lighting conditions can affect the accuracy of recognition.
- Temporary changes in appearance: the use of accessories like glasses or hats can make it harder to identify an individual.
- Initial cost: facial biometrics may have a higher upfront cost compared to other technologies.
Fingerprint biometrics
Fingerprint biometrics identifies a person through their fingerprints, analyzing the unique patterns found on the fingertips, such as:
- Ridges and curves: unique formations that differentiate each fingerprint.
- Minutiae: points where ridges split or end.
- Ridge patterns: detailed configurations that make every print unique.
- Distribution of points: the precise location of features across the surface of the finger.
Recognition occurs through sensors that capture an image of the fingerprint and compare it to previously registered data. These biometric readers can be integrated into devices like smartphones and laptops. If the device doesn’t have this functionality built in, there are already biometric solutions available that allow you to capture fingerprints directly using your phone’s camera. Here’s how it works:
By now, you can probably imagine that this technology also comes with its own set of challenges, right? They include:
- Physical contact: requires the user to touch the sensor, which can raise hygiene concerns, especially in healthcare environments.
- Fingerprint wear: professionals who do manual labor or elderly individuals may have difficulties due to the natural wearing down of fingerprints.
- Dependence on ideal conditions: dirty, wet, or oily fingerprints can compromise reading accuracy, requiring extra care to ensure proper functioning.
Both technologies rely on the unique biological characteristics of each individual to provide security and authenticity. The main difference lies in the method of data collection. While facial biometrics do not require physical contact, fingerprint recognition usually requires the user to touch the sensor. This detail can be a decisive factor when choosing the right technology, depending on the specific needs and environment.
It’s also important to pay attention to the accuracy of each technology to avoid errors such as false positives (incorrectly recognizing someone) or false negatives (failing to recognize a registered person).
Acceptance of biometric technology
In Brazil, biometrics is already widely present in people’s daily lives, being used in various situations that require security and convenience. Common examples include unlocking smartphones, accessing banking apps, and using time and attendance systems in companies.
In the healthcare context, hospitals, clinics, and laboratories can implement biometrics to bring greater speed, security, and accuracy when identifying patients and professionals. Another important issue is fraud prevention. The technology reduces the risk of errors such as switching medical records or unauthorized access to hospital pharmacies, among others. According to a study by PwC Brazil, fraud related to reimbursements caused estimated losses of R$ 3.5 billion, highlighting the urgent need to implement more reliable methods.
Challenges of implementing biometrics in healthcare
When we think of biometrics, convenience is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, when applied to the healthcare sector, there are specific challenges that must be addressed to ensure both effectiveness and security. One of the main concerns is the protection of biometric data. Biometric information is directly linked to an individual’s physical identity and is classified as sensitive data under Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (GDPL). It's not enough just to collect, but to ensure transparency, safety and the consent of the patient and/or service provider throughout the process.
Another challenge is integration with existing systems. For biometrics to work effectively, these systems need to connect seamlessly with platforms already used by healthcare institutions, such as electronic medical records, hospital management systems, and access control solutions. When integration is inefficient, it can lead to rework, data inconsistencies, and disruptions in operational workflows.
Implementation costs also need to be considered. Acquiring biometric devices and specialized software requires investment, along with additional expenses for training and infrastructure adjustments. This can be particularly challenging for smaller institutions, which often face budget constraints and need to prioritize other expenditures.
Inclusion is another important factor. Patients with injuries, amputations, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities may have difficulties registering their biometric information. In this context, it is crucial to offer alternative authentication methods to ensure everyone has access to services.
Finally, maintenance and technical support for biometric equipment must be taken into account. Unexpected failures can compromise service delivery, cause delays, and create lines, negatively impacting the experience of both patients and professionals. Despite these challenges, there are already solutions available that help overcome these barriers. One example is BioPass ID, a platform that offers a comprehensive, accessible, and highly reliable approach to biometric authentication.
Benefits of biometric implementation
Implementing biometric systems in healthcare institutions brings advantages that directly impact the security of care and the quality of management. By adopting biometrics, hospitals, clinics, and laboratories can ensure the correct identification of patients, professionals, and visitors, as well as proper administration of medications and resources.
Another key benefit is combating fraud within the healthcare system. With biometric authentication, it becomes much more difficult for unauthorized individuals to misuse health plans or access services. Incidents such as procedures performed under someone else’s name or even scheduling fake appointments become far less likely.
Solutions like BioPass ID further enhance the benefits of biometrics in the healthcare sector. The platform is cloud-based, eliminating the need for investments in technological infrastructure, among other advantages. Check out the main benefits:
- High accuracy and reliability: with an accuracy rate above 99%, BioPass ID ensures fast and secure identification, reducing the chances of errors such as false positives or negatives.
- Simple integration with existing systems: compatible with various operating systems, avoiding rework and data inconsistencies.
- GDPL compliance: uses advanced encryption to protect sensitive data, ensuring security, transparency, and respect for the privacy of patients and staff.
- Inclusion and accessibility: designed to serve different user profiles, including seniors and people with injuries or biometric limitations. When fingerprint scanning isn’t feasible, facial biometrics can be used as an alternative.
- Ease of use: offers an intuitive experience for both patients and professionals, promoting greater acceptance and adoption of the technology.
- Scalability: the solution can be easily expanded as the institution’s needs grow, without requiring major additional investments.
Which biometric method is most secure for the healthcare sector
In healthcare, choosing the ideal biometric technology can have a direct impact on process efficiency and the experience of both patients and professionals. Both facial and fingerprint biometrics offer advantages, but the best option will depend on the specific needs of each institution.
For physical entry points, fingerprint biometrics is often faster and more efficient. In more modern and remote contexts, such as telemedicine consultations or medication management, facial biometrics stand out. All in all, however, there is no single answer to determining which type of biometrics is best for the healthcare sector. The choice depends on several factors, such as the reality of the institution, the profile of the patients and professionals and the systems already in place.
While facial biometrics excels in terms of modernity, convenience, and compatibility with cloud-based solutions, fingerprint biometrics is notable for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of implementation in established infrastructures. The most important thing is to assess the institution’s needs and choose the solution that best meets those demands.
Costs of facial and fingerprint biometrics
When considering the adoption of a biometric solution, it’s important to evaluate both the initial investment and the factors that influence long-term cost-effectiveness. Elements such as required infrastructure, maintenance, scalability, and integration with existing systems should be carefully analyzed to ensure the technology meets the institution’s needs without exceeding the budget. Additionally, choosing the right provider is a crucial part of this process.
Biometrics has evolved significantly in recent years and no longer requires specialized equipment or a robust infrastructure. With innovative solutions like BioPass ID, a standard smartphone camera is enough to capture and authenticate with high quality, reducing upfront costs for healthcare institutions. Furthermore, the platform offers multibiometric options, integrating both facial and fingerprint technologies into a single package, allowing healthcare providers to adapt to different scenarios.
Biometric implementation timeline
The time required to implement biometrics depends on factors such as the type of technology chosen, the existing infrastructure within the institution, and the complexity of integration with current systems. While some solutions may require more time due to technical adjustments, others offer greater agility by easily adapting to already established processes.
For example, fingerprint biometrics may take longer if it’s necessary to install and configure physical readers at various access points. On the other hand, facial biometrics typically allows for a simpler implementation, enabling healthcare institutions to start using the new technology in a shorter period without major changes to their infrastructure. Still, it’s important to note that neither technology is inherently superior to the other in terms of performance. With proper planning and specialized technical support, modernization can occur efficiently and smoothly, ensuring benefits for everyone involved.
So, is facial biometrics better than fingerprint biometrics?
Biometrics in the healthcare sector is more than just a technological upgrade. In addition to improving systems, this technology enhances the experience for both patients and professionals, strengthens data security in compliance with GDPL, and helps prevent fraud. That’s why the choice between facial and fingerprint biometrics should be made carefully, taking into account factors such as the institution’s daily routines, specific challenges of the environment, and the efficiency of solution providers.
This time, it was possible to learn about the main differences between biometric technologies and the benefits offered by each solution. Facial biometrics stands out for its practicality, agility and simplified integration with modern systems, while digital biometrics remains a reliable alternative, especially in environments with an already consolidated infrastructure. Now that you know how biometrics work, check out the types of healthcare fraud: how biometrics can prevent them.
