Blockchain-Powered Electronic Health Record System for Enhanced security

Abstract

Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative force to address major issues in the healthcare sector, such as data privacy, security, and interoperability. Originally introduced as the infrastructure of Bitcoin, the decentralized and tamper-proof nature of the blockchain has subsequently discovered unprecedented promise in applications beyond finance. In healthcare, where sensitive data such as Personal Health Records (PHRs) and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) must be strongly protected, blockchain offers a secure and efficient method of managing and sharing information. This paper examines the application of blockchain to PHR systems to overcome the limitations of traditional cloud-based storage, such as vulnerability to breaches, unauthorized access, and single points of failure. Utilizing the decentralized nature of blockchain architecture, encrypted hashes, and secure key management, the system ensures data integrity, fine-grained access control, and interoperability among healthcare providers without gaps. Furthermore, the utilization of smart contracts streamlines processes such as insurance claims and consent management, reducing administrative burden, and facilitating trust among stakeholders. Regardless of regulatory compliance, scalability, and user adoption issues, research and pilot initiatives continue to advance blockchain integration into healthcare care. Through this paper, our goal is to demonstrate how blockchain can revolutionize the management of personal health records, creating a patientcentric, secure, and transparent healthcare ecosystem that serves patients, providers, and the broader med- ical community.