Blockchain for Convergence Science in Mental Health

Abstract

Blockchain is an innovative data management technology using distributed ledgers that has potential to achieve efficiency in data processing and greater control over healthcare record access. Interest is growing beyond uses for cryptocurrency, but blockchain technologies remain poorly understood in the general public and healthcare community. While there are many promising uses for healthcare and supply chain, most potential uses of blockchain for mental health are still in the pilot or development stage. This chapter presents blockchain to the mental health community with a detailed introduction to the unique facets blockchain with a few examples of current uses of blockchain in healthcare with promising proposed uses for mental health.