Health users´ perception of biometric authentication technologies

Biometric technologies already play a major role in security systems contexts and are generally considered for identification and authentication. Some techniques are used in several services not only to ensure physical access to facilities but also to provide some thoroughness in access control. Users generally show concern about security and privacy, but at the same time, wish to use simple mechanisms that facilitate the authentication process in a particular system. Altogether, when implementing such systems it should be guaranteed the purpose of implementation, data protection principles, usability and security, beside taking in consideration the national and international legislation and standards. This study addresses the perception of users regarding the use of biometric authentication technologies in a particular environment, healthcare units. The results derived from a survey indicate a trend of acceptance of such technologies on the access control to health services.