Data security is one of the key issues for individuals and organizations in the 21st century. In looking for solutions, the option of blockchain technology is worth considering across industries for its cohesion and adaptability to storing a wide range of data sources across decentralized locations. One industry that is in dire need of a review of data storage is healthcare with its swathes of clinical, diagnostic, administrative and billing materials spread globally in a range of private and government operations. In fact, this option of blockchain data management puts patients at the centre of the solution, integrating payments and minimizing fraud risks, while streamlining the administrative pressure on health staff that can lead to errors.
In recent times, we are seeing blockchain tech at the forefront of responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Harvard Business Review reports that, “20 blockchain applications were launched to address Covid-19 over the course of just two weeks in February, including an online screening system that securely manages health records and a platform that supports the management, allocation, and donation of relief supplies.” In equal parts, as with its use right now during a global health crisis and on localized levels for community health, blockchain tech can be used to respond to the dynamic industry challenges faced every day.
Another aspect to how this tech can uphold public health goals is how it enables secure access to health data across populations instead of siloing information in offices or niche network operators. According to CIO, “Blockchain will leap frog population health by providing trust where none exists for continuous access to patient records by directly linking information to clinical and financial outcomes.” Outside of Covid-19 and major diseases, public health remains a key issue for the individual and collective across all ages. This tech is robust enough to allow a patient to present for an appointment at a new location, provide personal password authorization thus approving record access without compromising privacy regulations. In a time when health conditions can go undiagnosed due to gaps in records between health services, blockchain offers a flexible framework for patients to see practitioners and have all of their records as well as billing shared securely and seamlessly.
To build upon this topic and unpack the transformative impacts of blockchain tech, Study Medicine Europe designed this infographic, How Blockchains Will Transform Healthcare’, that you can use to learn more. In addition to reviewing statistics and expert data, this graphic also breaks down the steps of implementation and expands on how this might look for patients in real time. Moving forward, dynamic data management solutions will shape whole industries including healthcare and we can all benefit from understanding what blockchain looks like in action.
