Today, blockchain technology has become the verdict for almost all sectors including Healthcare. Blockchain technology confides in a distributed and decentralized ledger model. Axiomatically blockchain is more protected and robust as compared to the centralized models which are at present used in various systems. In simple words, blockchain technology is a distributed and immutable record of digital events which is shared from point to point between various participants. This chapter portrays key aspects of blockchain technologies, its characteristic features, and frameworks. Authors have presented the conceptual framework for electronic health record management using consortium blockchain.
TopResearch Background: A Technological Progression
Blockchain is a decentralized technology that makes it possible to facilitate the creation of a distributed ledger with immutable transactions that are periodically updated at each node. This technology is enhanced by its defining traits, which include decentralization, distribution, speed, security, and transparency. It is also unchangeable and impervious to hacking. In this section, several noteworthy blockchain-related accomplishments are showcased.
Badadare et al have presented a comprehensive case study in healthcare with an intent to analyze the existing patient record management system. Authors collected data regarding Patient Record Management System through survey method (Badadare et al., 2021). Through this survey they received responses from 103 doctors. Collected primary data is then systematically analyzed by using novel analysis tools like Pivot Chart, Hypothesis Testing, and Association Data Mining. According to research reported by Joshi et al, the existing Cloud-Based Electronic Medical Records management systems are facing data security challenges (Joshi et al., 2018). As per their findings, existing authorization mechanism in EMR management system is patient centric. So, it creates lots of overheads for patient as well as healthcare organization. From Patient point of view the overhead is due to authorization at each stage; while from healthcare perspective it’s because of service management overheads).
The missed appointments in hospitals lead to increased hospital costs and poor patient care. Researchers used 11 years (2005-2006 to 2015-2016) OPD data from NHS UK and done analysis based on demographic parameters to uncover main reasons contributing to missed appointments (Alloghani et al., 2018). To know about the data trend, researchers used descriptive analysis. They also built a machine learning model by using Logistic Regression and Decision Tree to predict missed appointments. Wang et al have portrayed a Blockchain based information sharing for efficient ship integrated logistics support (Wang et al., 2022). Authors utilized Hyperledger fabric for Blockchain development to overcome issues regarding less accuracy, low security, and lack of information sharing.
Yet another research by Kuang et al reports Blockchain enabled academic certification process (Kuang et al., 2022). Authors attempted to overcome crisis arise in conventional academic certification process. They used hybrid blockchain for this system. Hybrid Blockchain comprises off-chain transaction and on-chain clearing that reduces burden on Blockchain.