Standing order database search system and method for internet and intranet application

A data access system for controlling access to electronic health information comprising:

• at least one database containing said electronic health information relating to a plurality of patients;
• and
• at least one computer configured to:
• communicate with said at least one database;
• index data items of said electronic health information;
• receive a query from a requesting party for access to said electronic health information satisfying said query;
• identify said electronic health information satisfying said query;
• authenticate an identity of said requesting party;
• apply patient privacy attributes related to separate data items of said electronic health information, said patient privacy attributes defining access restrictions to respective said data items, said patient privacy attributes controlled by a patient to whom said electronic health information pertains;
• deny said requesting party access to said respective data items of said electronic health information satisfying said query when said patient privacy attributes are not satisfied;
• and
• permit said requesting party access to said respective data items of said electronic health information satisfying said query when said patient privacy attributes are satisfied, said patient privacy attribute defines selection criteria specifying under which conditions respective patients are willing to participate in clinical trials.