Blockchain based Healthcare Data Management

Abstract

Block Chain is an emerging technology which includes a number of features by default such as, distributed ledger, decentralised storage, authentication, security, and traceability. In health sector, patient data are sensitive and it is very essential to be secured, which can be done using blockchain technology. Exchange of healthcare data between hospitals is limited by privacy and dependency on centralized data management systems. Such a centralised storage can be a concern since it can lead to data leakage, data manipulation, mistrust, and single point of failure. Blockchain offers a decentralised computing and storage solution that can help with these issues. It includes smart contracts, identity verification and more. Integrating block chain technology with identity management will be the solution for some issues, such as centralized governing of identities. This system proposes Ethereum based blockchain data management for healthcare application, to store and review the patient record by web application allowing only identity verified users like patient, doctors, family members and hospital staff to have the secure access to health information. Ethereum currently uses a proof-of-work consensus mechanism. Solidity is the popular language for writing Ethereum smart contracts. The data on Ethereum blockchain is stored using tire data structures to manage temporary and permanent data. To protect data integrity, ownership, and permissions, smart contracts are created. Since the business can be handled by smart contracts, there won't be a need for centralised authority to oversee and authorise it, which will cut costs.