Blockchain - Enhanced Secure and Efficient IPFS - based EHR Management: A Decentralized Approach

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel healthcare system based on blockchain and IPFS technologies, designed to securely store and facilitate the sharing of patient health records. The system is structured into three layers: blockchain,IPFS, and the application. Within the blockchain layer, the primary function is to store and safeguard patient health records. This is achieved through the utilization of distributed ledger technology, ensuring the records' immutability and resistance to tampering. Meanwhile, the IPFS layer offers the infrastructure necessary for secure storage and retrieval of patient health records. Lastly, the application layer provides the user interface for accessing and managing patient health records, including functions like addition, updates, and deletions. This innovative system boasts numerous advantages compared to traditional healthcare systems. It offers enhanced security, as patient health records are stored in an encrypted format across a distributed network. Furthermore, it provides a more efficient means of securely sharing patient health records among healthcare providers. The system also improves transparency by recording all network accesses as transactions. While this system is still in its early developmental stages, its potential to transform the storage and sharing of healthcare records is promising.