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Sahu H, Choudhari S, Chakole S. The Use of Blockchain Technology in Public Health: Lessons Learned. Cureus 2024; 16:e63198. [PMID: 39070517 PMCID: PMC11275554 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Blockchain is a new technology utilized to develop creative solutions in different industries, such as health care. Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed encrypted system made up of interconnected blocks containing transaction-related information that can be shared with network participants. A blockchain network is utilized in the healthcare industry to safeguard and share patient information among hospitals, pharmacies, and doctors' diagnostic labs. Blockchain applications can precisely identify serious and potentially harmful mistakes within the medical sector. The objective is to comprehensively explore the potential use, present implementations, challenges, and future possibilities of blockchain in health management systems, and to provide information to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners on how to utilize new technology to enhance data security, efficiency, decentralization of data, authenticity of data, transparency, and verifiability of data compared to conventional databases in health management systems. Key review findings for blockchain technology in public health surveillance might include enhanced data security and accessibility of data, data storage and sharing, ensuring tamper-proof records are accessed, empowering patients, and improving overall healthcare outcomes. Its immutability proves to be important for securing healthcare data. It offers a safeguard for health records and clinical trial outcomes and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. This evaluation focuses on how it has transformed data protection, improved workflows, and safe health information interchange. Despite obstacles, further study and standardization initiatives have the potential to transform health care and guarantee patient care that is resilient and trustworthy. In the present healthcare industry, blockchain technology plays an essential role in healthcare systems. It can lead to computerized processes for collecting and validating data, accurate information collected from multiple sources, and data that are fixed, transparent to misuse, and secure, with a reduced risk of digital crimes. In addition, the study provides a detailed analysis of the potential applications for including the use of blockchain technology in transforming public health surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemlata Sahu
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sonali Choudhari
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Swarupa Chakole
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Mutambik I, Lee J, Almuqrin A, Alharbi ZH. Identifying the Barriers to Acceptance of Blockchain-Based Patient-Centric Data Management Systems in Healthcare. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:345. [PMID: 38338229 PMCID: PMC10855174 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A number of recent studies have shown that wastage and inefficiency are a significant problem in all global healthcare systems. One initiative that could radically improve the operational efficiency of health systems is to make a paradigm shift in data ownership-that is, to transition such systems to a patient-centric model of data management by deploying blockchain technology. Such a development would not only make an economic impact, by radically cutting wastage, but would deliver significant social benefits by improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. However, a blockchain-based solution presents considerable challenges. This research seeks to understand the principal factors, which act as barriers to the acceptance of a blockchain-based patient-centric data management infrastructure, in the healthcare systems of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. The study represents an addition to the current literature by examining the perspectives and views of healthcare professionals and users. This approach is rare within this subject area, and is identified in existing systematic reviews as a research gap: a qualitative investigation of motivations and attitudes among these groups is a critical need. The results of the study identified 12 key barriers to the acceptance of blockchain infrastructures, thereby adding to our understanding of the challenges that need to be overcome in order to benefit from this relatively recent technology. The research is expected to be of use to healthcare authorities in planning a way forward for system improvement, particularly in terms of successfully introducing patient-centric systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Mutambik
- Department of Information Science, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 11451, Riyadh 11437, Saudi Arabia;
| | - John Lee
- School of Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, 10 Crichton St., Edinburgh EH8 9AB, UK;
| | - Abdullah Almuqrin
- Department of Information Science, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 11451, Riyadh 11437, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Zahyah H. Alharbi
- Department of Management Information Systems, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, P.O. Box 28095, Riyadh 11437, Saudi Arabia;
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Milone V, Fusco A, De Feo A, Tatullo M. Clinical Impact of "Real World Data" and Blockchain on Public Health: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:95. [PMID: 38248558 PMCID: PMC10815190 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The digitisation of healthcare has allowed a significant rethinking of the previous clinical protocols, improving their interoperability through substantial standardisation. These technological advances have ensured that data are comparable, as they are obtained from 'reliable' and certified processes; however, there are billions of data that are neither structured nor quality-controlled. They are collectively referred to as 'Real World Data' (RWD). Blockchain (BC) is a procedure with specific characteristics and algorithms that ensure that the stored data cannot be tampered with. Nowadays, there is an increasing need to rethink blockchain in a one-health vision, making it more than just a 'repository' of data and information, but rather an active player in the process of data sharing. In this landscape, several scholars have analysed the potential benefits of BC in healthcare, focusing on the sharing and safety of clinical data and its contact tracing applications. There is limited research on this matter; moreover, there is a strategic interest in managing RWD in a reliable and comparable way, despite the lack of knowledge on this topic. Our work aims to analyse systematically the most impacting literature, highlighting the main aspects of BC within the context of the new digital healthcare, and speculating on the unexpressed potential of RWD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Milone
- Department of Economics, Management and Business Law, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, P.ce Umberto I, 70121 Bari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Antonio Fusco
- Department of Economics, Management and Business Law, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, P.ce Umberto I, 70121 Bari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Angelamaria De Feo
- Department of Economics, Management and Business Law, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, P.ce Umberto I, 70121 Bari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Marco Tatullo
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience—DiBraiN, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, P.ce G. Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Singh Y, Jabbar MA, Kumar Shandilya S, Vovk O, Hnatiuk Y. Exploring applications of blockchain in healthcare: road map and future directions. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1229386. [PMID: 37790716 PMCID: PMC10543232 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1229386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Blockchain technology includes numerous elements such as distributed ledgers, decentralization, authenticity, privacy, and immutability. It has progressed past the hype to find actual use cases in industries like healthcare. Blockchain is an emerging area that relies on a consensus algorithm and the idea of a digitally distributed ledger to eliminate any intermediary risks. By enabling them to trace data provenance and any changes made, blockchain technology can enable different healthcare stakeholders to share access to their networks without violating data security and integrity. The healthcare industry faces challenges like fragmented data, security and privacy concerns, and interoperability issues. Blockchain technology offers potential solutions by ensuring secure, tamper-proof storage across multiple network nodes, improving interoperability and patient privacy. Encrypting patient data further enhances security and reduces unauthorized access concerns. Blockchain technology, deployed over the Internet, can potentially use the current healthcare data by using a patient-centric approach and removing the intermediaries. This paper discusses the effective utilization of blockchain technology in the healthcare industry. In contrast to other applications, the exoteric evaluation in this paper shows that the innovative technology called blockchain technology has a major role to play in the existing and future applications of the healthcare industry and has significant benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuvraj Singh
- School of Computing Science and Engineering, VIT Bhopal University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - M. A. Jabbar
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering (AI&ML), Vardhaman College of Engineering, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Shishir Kumar Shandilya
- School of Computing Science and Engineering, VIT Bhopal University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Olena Vovk
- Department of Artificial Intelligence Systems, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Oblast, Ukraine
| | - Yaroslav Hnatiuk
- Department of Artificial Intelligence Systems, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Oblast, Ukraine
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5
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Liang HW, Chu YC, Han TH. Fortifying Health Care Intellectual Property Transactions With Blockchain. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44578. [PMID: 37594787 PMCID: PMC10474511 DOI: 10.2196/44578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intellectual property (IP) is a substantial competitive advantage in the health care industry. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for open innovation and collaboration for the greater good. Despite this, the industry faces challenges with innovation owing to organizational and departmental barriers. A secure platform is necessary to facilitate IP sharing without compromising the rights of IP owners. OBJECTIVE This study proposes a blockchain-based framework to secure IP transactions in health care and bring social impact. METHODS This study reviews existing researches, publications, practical cases, firm and organization websites, and conferences related to blockchain technology, blockchain in health care, blockchain in IP management, IP pledge research, and practice of IP management blockchain. The platform architecture has 7 components: pledgers, advanced research technology (ART), IP pledge platforms, IP databases, health care research, seeking ART, and transaction condition setting. These components work together seamlessly to support the sharing and pledging of ART and knowledge, while ensuring the platform's transparency, security, and trust. RESULTS The open IP pledge framework can promote technology dissemination and use, reduce research and development costs, foster collaboration, and serve the public interest. Medical organizations' leadership and support and active participation from stakeholders are necessary for success. By leveraging blockchain technology, the platform ensures tamper-proof and transparent transactions and protects the rights of IP owners. In addition, the platform offers incentive mechanisms through pledge tokens that encourage stakeholders to share their ART and contribute to the platform. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the proposed framework can facilitate technological innovation, tackle various challenges, and secure IP transactions. It provides a secure platform for stakeholders to share their IP without compromising their rights, promoting collaboration and progress in the health care industry. The implementation of the framework has the potential to revolutionize the industry's approach to innovation, allowing a more open and collaborative environment driven by the greater good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Wei Liang
- Graduate Institute of Technology, Innovation & Intellectual Property Management, National Chengchi University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Technology Transfer Office, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chia Chu
- Department of Information Management, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Information Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsien Han
- Graduate Institute of Technology, Innovation & Intellectual Property Management, National Chengchi University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Industrial Technology Investment Corporation, Taipei City, Taiwan
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6
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Neumann V, Davidge G, Harding M, Cunningham J, Davies N, Devaney S, Leeming G, Holm S, Ainsworth J. Examining public views on decentralised health data sharing. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282257. [PMID: 36862723 PMCID: PMC9980819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, researchers have begun to explore the use of Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), also known as blockchain, in health data sharing contexts. However, there is a significant lack of research that examines public attitudes towards the use of this technology. In this paper, we begin to address this issue and present results from a series of focus groups which explored public views and concerns about engaging with new models of personal health data sharing in the UK. We found that participants were broadly in favour of a shift towards new decentralised models of data sharing. Retaining 'proof' of health information stored about patients and the capacity to provide permanent audit trails, enabled by immutable and transparent properties of DLT, were regarded as particularly valuable for our participants and prospective data custodians. Participants also identified other potential benefits such as supporting people to become more health data literate and enabling patients to make informed decisions about how their data was shared and with whom. However, participants also voiced concerns about the potential to further exacerbate existing health and digital inequalities. Participants were also apprehensive about the removal of intermediaries in the design of personal health informatics systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Neumann
- School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Gail Davidge
- Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Harding
- School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - James Cunningham
- Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Davies
- School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Devaney
- Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Leeming
- Civic Data Cooperative, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Søren Holm
- Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - John Ainsworth
- Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Sadeghi R. JK, Prybutok VR, Sauser B. Theoretical and practical applications of blockchain in healthcare information management. INFORMATION & MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.im.2022.103649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Kamruzzaman MM, Yan B, Sarker MNI, Alruwaili O, Wu M, Alrashdi I. Blockchain and Fog Computing in IoT-Driven Healthcare Services for Smart Cities. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:9957888. [PMID: 35126961 PMCID: PMC8808208 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9957888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, technology has been evolving rapidly. Due to the consequent impact of smart technologies, it becomes a ubiquitous part of life. These technologies have led to the emergence of smart cities that are geographic areas driven by advanced information and communication technologies. In the context of smart cities, IoT, blockchain, and fog computing have been found as the significant drivers of smart initiates. In this recognition, the present study is focused on delineating the impact and potential of blockchain, IoT, and fog computing on healthcare services in the context of smart cities. In pursuit of this objective, the study has conducted a systematic review of literature that is most relevant to the topic of the paper. In order to select the most relevant and credible articles, the researcher has used PRISMA and AMSTAR that have culminated in the 10 most relevant articles for the present study. The findings revealed that IoT, blockchain, and fog computing had become drivers of efficiency in the healthcare services in smart cities. Among the three technologies, IoT has been found to be widely incorporated. However, it is found to be lacking in terms of cost efficiency, data privacy, and interoperability of data. In this recognition, blockchain technology and fog computing have been found to be more relevant to the healthcare sector in smart cities. Blockchain has been presented as a promising technology for ensuring the protection of private data, creating a decentralized database, and improving the interoperability of data while fog computing has been presented as the promising technology for low-cost remote monitoring, reducing latency and increasing efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. M. Kamruzzaman
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bingxin Yan
- School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Md Nazirul Islam Sarker
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, China
| | - Omar Alruwaili
- Department of Computer Engineering and Networks, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Min Wu
- School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ibrahim Alrashdi
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Sengupta A, Subramanian H. User Control of Personal mHealth Data Using a Mobile Blockchain App: Design Science Perspective. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e32104. [PMID: 35049504 PMCID: PMC8814930 DOI: 10.2196/32104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Integrating pervasive computing with blockchain’s ability to store privacy-protected mobile health (mHealth) data while providing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance is a challenge. Patients use a multitude of devices, apps, and services to collect and store mHealth data. We present the design of an internet of things (IoT)–based configurable blockchain with different mHealth apps on iOS and Android, which collect the same user’s data. We discuss the advantages of using such a blockchain architecture and demonstrate 2 things: the ease with which users can retain full control of their pervasive mHealth data and the ease with which HIPAA compliance can be accomplished by providers who choose to access user data. Objective The purpose of this paper is to design, evaluate, and test IoT-based mHealth data using wearable devices and an efficient, configurable blockchain, which has been designed and implemented from the first principles to store such data. The purpose of this paper is also to demonstrate the privacy-preserving and HIPAA-compliant nature of pervasive computing-based personalized health care systems that provide users with total control of their own data. Methods This paper followed the methodical design science approach adapted in information systems, wherein we evaluated prior designs, proposed enhancements with a blockchain design pattern published by the same authors, and used the design to support IoT transactions. We prototyped both the blockchain and IoT-based mHealth apps in different devices and tested all use cases that formed the design goals for such a system. Specifically, we validated the design goals for our system using the HIPAA checklist for businesses and proved the compliance of our architecture for mHealth data on pervasive computing devices. Results Blockchain-based personalized health care systems provide several advantages over traditional systems. They provide and support extreme privacy protection, provide the ability to share personalized data and delete data upon request, and support the ability to analyze such data. Conclusions We conclude that blockchains, specifically the consensus, hasher, storer, miner architecture presented in this paper, with configurable modules and software as a service model, provide many advantages for patients using pervasive devices that store mHealth data on the blockchain. Among them is the ability to store, retrieve, and modify ones generated health care data with a single private key across devices. These data are transparent, stored perennially, and provide patients with privacy and pseudoanonymity, in addition to very strong encryption for data access. Firms and device manufacturers would benefit from such an approach wherein they relinquish user data control while giving users the ability to select and offer their own mHealth data on data marketplaces. We show that such an architecture complies with the stringent requirements of HIPAA for patient data access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Sengupta
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Hemang Subramanian
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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10
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Yeung K. The Health Care Sector's Experience of Blockchain: A Cross-disciplinary Investigation of Its Real Transformative Potential. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e24109. [PMID: 34932009 PMCID: PMC8726042 DOI: 10.2196/24109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Academic literature highlights blockchain's potential to transform health care, particularly by seamlessly and securely integrating existing data silos while enabling patients to exercise automated, fine-grained control over access to their electronic health records. However, no serious scholarly attempt has been made to assess how these technologies have in fact been applied to real-world health care contexts. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this paper is to assess whether blockchain's theoretical potential to deliver transformative benefits to health care is likely to become a reality by undertaking a critical investigation of the health care sector's actual experience of blockchain technologies to date. METHODS This mixed methods study entailed a series of iterative, in-depth, theoretically oriented, desk-based investigations and 2 focus group investigations. It builds on the findings of a companion research study documenting real-world engagement with blockchain technologies in health care. Data were sourced from academic and gray literature from multiple disciplinary perspectives concerned with the configuration, design, and functionality of blockchain technologies. The analysis proceeded in 3 stages. First, it undertook a qualitative investigation of observed patterns of blockchain for health care engagement to identify the application domains, data-sharing problems, and the challenges encountered to date. Second, it critically compared these experiences with claims about blockchain's potential benefits in health care. Third, it developed a theoretical account of challenges that arise in implementing blockchain in health care contexts, thus providing a firmer foundation for appraising its future prospects in health care. RESULTS Health care organizations have actively experimented with blockchain technologies since 2016 and have demonstrated proof of concept for several applications (use cases) primarily concerned with administrative data and to facilitate medical research by enabling algorithmic models to be trained on multiple disparately located sets of patient data in a secure, privacy-preserving manner. However, blockchain technology is yet to be implemented at scale in health care, remaining largely in its infancy. These early experiences have demonstrated blockchain's potential to generate meaningful value to health care by facilitating data sharing between organizations in circumstances where computational trust can overcome a lack of social trust that might otherwise prevent valuable cooperation. Although there are genuine prospects of using blockchain to bring about positive transformations in health care, the successful development of blockchain for health care applications faces a number of very significant, multidimensional, and highly complex challenges. Early experience suggests that blockchain is unlikely to rapidly and radically revolutionize health care. CONCLUSIONS The successful development of blockchain for health care applications faces numerous significant, multidimensional, and complex challenges that will not be easily overcome, suggesting that blockchain technologies are unlikely to revolutionize health care in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Yeung
- Birmingham Law School and School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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11
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Xie Y, Zhang J, Wang H, Liu P, Liu S, Huo T, Duan YY, Dong Z, Lu L, Ye Z. Applications of Blockchain in the Medical Field: Narrative Review. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e28613. [PMID: 34533470 PMCID: PMC8555946 DOI: 10.2196/28613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As a distributed technology, blockchain has attracted increasing attention from stakeholders in the medical industry. Although previous studies have analyzed blockchain applications from the perspectives of technology, business, or patient care, few studies have focused on actual use-case scenarios of blockchain in health care. In particular, the outbreak of COVID-19 has led to some new ideas for the application of blockchain in medical practice. Objective This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the current and projected uses of blockchain technology in health care, as well as directions for future research. In addition to the framework structure of blockchain and application scenarios, its integration with other emerging technologies in health care is discussed. Methods We searched databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, IEEE, and Springer using a combination of terms related to blockchain and health care. Potentially relevant papers were then compared to determine their relevance and reviewed independently for inclusion. Through a literature review, we summarize the key medical scenarios using blockchain technology. Results We found a total of 1647 relevant studies, 60 of which were unique studies that were included in this review. These studies report a variety of uses for blockchain and their emphasis differs. According to the different technical characteristics and application scenarios of blockchain, we summarize some medical scenarios closely related to blockchain from the perspective of technical classification. Moreover, potential challenges are mentioned, including the confidentiality of privacy, the efficiency of the system, security issues, and regulatory policy. Conclusions Blockchain technology can improve health care services in a decentralized, tamper-proof, transparent, and secure manner. With the development of this technology and its integration with other emerging technologies, blockchain has the potential to offer long-term benefits. Not only can it be a mechanism to secure electronic health records, but blockchain also provides a powerful tool that can empower users to control their own health data, enabling a foolproof health data history and establishing medical responsibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xie
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Honglin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengran Liu
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Songxiang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tongtong Huo
- Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,School of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Yu Duan
- Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe Dong
- Wuhan Academy of Intelligent Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhewei Ye
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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A Review of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Blockchain Technology Applications in Medicine and Global Health. BIG DATA AND COGNITIVE COMPUTING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/bdcc5030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) programs are applied to methods such as diagnostic procedures, treatment protocol development, patient monitoring, drug development, personalized medicine in healthcare, and outbreak predictions in global health, as in the case of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Machine learning (ML) is a field of AI that allows computers to learn and improve without being explicitly programmed. ML algorithms can also analyze large amounts of data called Big data through electronic health records for disease prevention and diagnosis. Wearable medical devices are used to continuously monitor an individual’s health status and store it in cloud computing. In the context of a newly published study, the potential benefits of sophisticated data analytics and machine learning are discussed in this review. We have conducted a literature search in all the popular databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. This paper describes the utilization of concepts underlying ML, big data, blockchain technology and their importance in medicine, healthcare, public health surveillance, case estimations in COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics. The review also goes through the possible consequences and difficulties for medical practitioners and health technologists in designing futuristic models to improve the quality and well-being of human lives.
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Platt M, Hasselgren A, Román-Belmonte JM, Tuler de Oliveira M, De la Corte-Rodríguez H, Delgado Olabarriaga S, Rodríguez-Merchán EC, Mackey TK. Test, Trace, and Put on the Blockchain?: A Viewpoint Evaluating the Use of Decentralized Systems for Algorithmic Contact Tracing to Combat a Global Pandemic. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e26460. [PMID: 33727212 PMCID: PMC8108567 DOI: 10.2196/26460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The enormous pressure of the increasing case numbers experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a variety of novel digital systems designed to provide solutions to unprecedented challenges in public health. The field of algorithmic contact tracing, in particular, an area of research that had previously received limited attention, has moved into the spotlight as a crucial factor in containing the pandemic. The use of digital tools to enable more robust and expedited contact tracing and notification, while maintaining privacy and trust in the data generated, is viewed as key to identifying chains of transmission and close contacts, and, consequently, to enabling effective case investigations. Scaling these tools has never been more critical, as global case numbers have exceeded 100 million, as many asymptomatic patients remain undetected, and as COVID-19 variants begin to emerge around the world. In this context, there is increasing attention on blockchain technology as a part of systems for enhanced digital algorithmic contact tracing and reporting. By analyzing the literature that has emerged from this trend, the common characteristics of the designs proposed become apparent. An archetypal system architecture can be derived, taking these characteristics into consideration. However, assessing the utility of this architecture using a recognized evaluation framework shows that the added benefits and features of blockchain technology do not provide significant advantages over conventional centralized systems for algorithmic contact tracing and reporting. From our study, it, therefore, seems that blockchain technology may provide a more significant benefit in other areas of public health beyond contact tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Platt
- Department of Informatics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anton Hasselgren
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Juan Manuel Román-Belmonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - E Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Osteoarticular Surgery Research, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tim Ken Mackey
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- BlockLAB, San Diego Supercomputer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Barriers to blockchain adoption in health-care industry: an Indian perspective. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL OPERATIONS AND STRATEGIC SOURCING 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jgoss-06-2020-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify barriers toward the adoption of blockchain (BC) technology in Indian health-care industry and also examines the significant issues of BC applications in health-care industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The barriers of the study are identified by two phases including the review of literature and semistructured interviews with hospital staff and administration operating in India. The experts (N = 15) are being taken from top-level management, IT experts and patients from the hospitals. The study implemented integrated total interpretative structural modeling-FUZZY-Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (TISM-FUZZY-MICMAC) methods for identifying the interrelationship among the barriers.
Findings
A total of 15 barriers have been determined in the Indian health-care industry through discussion with the selected experts. TISM is applied to develop multilevel structure for BC barriers. Further, FUZZY-MICMAC has been used to compute driving and dependent barriers. The findings suggest that low awareness related to legal issues and low support from high level of management have maximum driving power.
Research limitations/implications
The present study applies multicriterion approach to identify the limited barriers in BC adoption in health care. Future studies may develop the relationship and mark down the steps for implementation of BC in health-care setting of a developing economy. Empirical study can be conducted to verify the results along with selected case studies.
Practical implications
The present study identifies the BC adoption barriers in health-care industry. The study examines the pertinent issues in context to major support required, bottlenecks in adoption, key benefits of adoption planning and activities. The technology adoption practices are expected to provide applications such as distributed, secured medical and clinical data and patient centric systems that will enhance the efficiency of the health-care industry.
Originality/value
The study is among few primary studies that identify and analyze the BC adoption in health-care industry.
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Lee K, Lim K, Jung SY, Ji H, Hong K, Hwang H, Lee HY. Perspectives of Patients, Health Care Professionals, and Developers Toward Blockchain-Based Health Information Exchange: Qualitative Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e18582. [PMID: 33185553 PMCID: PMC7695529 DOI: 10.2196/18582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the electronic health record system adoption rate has reached 96% in the United States, implementation and usage of health information exchange (HIE) is still lagging behind. Blockchain has come into the spotlight as a technology to solve this problem. However, there have been no studies assessing the perspectives of different stakeholders regarding blockchain-based patient-centered HIE. Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the awareness among patients, health care professionals, and information technology developers toward blockchain-based HIE, and compare their different perspectives related to the platform using a qualitative research methodology. Methods In this qualitative study, we applied grounded theory and the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in the Health Service (PARiHS) framework. We interviewed 7 patients, 7 physicians, and 7 developers, for a total of 21 interviewees. Results Regarding the leakage of health information, the patient group did not have concerns in contrast to the physician and developer groups. Physicians were particularly concerned about the fact that errors in the data cannot be easily fixed due to the nature of blockchain technology. Patients were not against the idea of providing information for clinical trials or research institutions. They wished to be provided with the results of clinical research rather than being compensated for providing data. The developers emphasized that blockchain must be technically mature before it can be applied to the health care scene, and standards of medical information to be exchanged must first be established. Conclusions The three groups’ perceptions of blockchain were generally positive about the idea of patients having the control of sharing their own health information. However, they were skeptical about the cooperation among various institutions and implementation for data standardization in the establishment process, in addition to how the service will be employed in practice. Taking these factors into consideration during planning, development, and operation of a platform will contribute to establishing practical treatment plans and tracking in a more convenient manner for both patients and physicians. Furthermore, it will help expand the related research and health management industry based on blockchain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keehyuck Lee
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea.,Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Kahyun Lim
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Young Jung
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea.,Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyerim Ji
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungpyo Hong
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Hwang
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea.,Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Young Lee
- Office of eHealth Research and Business, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
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