Decentralized Identity Management Using Blockchain for Healthcare Systems

Abstract

In contemporary healthcare systems, the conventional centralized identity management infrastructure grapples with persistent challenges that compromise the security and privacy of patient information. A critical issue lies in the vulnerability of these centralized systems, exposing them to data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential manipulation of sensitive health records. This poses a significant threat to patient confidentiality and the overall integrity of medical data. Recognizing these shortcomings, proposed research focuses on pioneering a decentralized identity management solution utilizing blockchain technology. By decentralizing identity control and leveraging the immutability of distributed ledgers, proposed approach seeks to eliminate the risks associated with single points of failure and unauthorized data access. The novelty of our proposed solution is embedded in the integration of blockchain. This paradigm shift ensures that patient information remains secure, unaltered, and accessible only to authorized entities. Unlike traditional systems, the proposed decentralized approach empowers patients with control over their identity through cryptographic keys. Smart contracts further enhance the system by facilitating standardized and secure data exchange among different healthcare providers, fostering interoperability without compromising data integrity. As an implementation tool, Ganache, a powerful development tool, is employed to simulate a blockchain environment. This allows for rigorous testing and validation of the proposed decentralized identity management system, ensuring scalability and reliability in real-world healthcare applications. The amalgamation of blockchain and Ganache presents a promising avenue for fortifying the integrity and privacy of patient identities in healthcare systems.