Introduction to Blockchain Technology in Healthcare

Abstract

Blockchain technology can potentially drive revolutionary changes in data security, privacy, and efficiency within healthcare industry. The architecture of blockchain and its main components are described in this chapter. It explored two main types of blockchain systems, permissionless and permissioned. Blockchain addresses challenges that have plagued healthcare sector, including siloed data, a lack of interoperability, and inefficient service delivery for years. Due to its decentralized nature, it increases healthcare ecosystem’s transparency and security. Blockchain contains features like distributed ledger, immutability, and enhanced data privacy that can change how healthcare services are delivered across the globe. The chapter focuses on healthcare, including multiple uses of blockchain in electronic health records, clinical and global data sharing, medical history management, research, clinical trials, drug supply chain processes, and billing systems. Moreover, blockchain enhances data access control and boosts operations in the pharmaceutical industry. Blockchain has a lot of advantages but encounters challenges in terms of limited scalability and controls, especially in healthcare context. New technologies like Zero-Knowledge Proof, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things will complement blockchain technology by increasing integration and working within healthcare systems to promote innovation and enhance patient outcomes.