Abstract
Blockchain technology has far-reaching implications beyond cryptocurrency and finance, and the health and wellness sector is no exception. This paper explores the transformative potential of blockchain in health and wellness, its advantages, challenges, and possible future trajectories.
Keywords: Blockchain, Health and Wellness, Medical Records, Data Security, Telemedicine, Personalized Medicine
I. Introduction
Blockchain technology, a decentralized and transparent system of storing data, has seen increasing adoption in various sectors, including healthcare [1]. The unique properties of blockchain, such as transparency, immutability, and security, make it a promising tool for overcoming challenges related to data security and interoperability in health and wellness [2].
Sources:
[1] Tapscott, D., & Tapscott, A. (2016). Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin Is Changing Money, Business, and the World. Penguin.
[2] Kuo, T. T., Kim, H. E., & Ohno-Machado, L. (2017). Blockchain distributed ledger technologies for biomedical and health care applications. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 24(6), 1211-1220.
II. Blockchain and Health Records
Blockchain technology could redefine the management of health records by providing a decentralized, secure, and interoperable system for data storage and exchange [3]. This new approach could empower patients by giving them ownership and control over their health data.
Source:
[3] Mettler, M. (2016). Blockchain technology in healthcare: The revolution starts here. 2016 IEEE 18th International Conference on e-Health Networking, Applications and Services (Healthcom), Munich, 1-3.
III. Data Security and Privacy
Blockchain’s immutable and secure characteristics can also enhance data security and privacy in healthcare [4]. This feature is especially crucial as healthcare institutions are often targeted for cyberattacks due to the sensitive nature of health data.
Source:
[4] Ekblaw, A., Azaria, A., Halamka, J. D., & Lippman, A. (2016). A Case Study for Blockchain in Healthcare:“MedRec” prototype for electronic health records and medical research data. Proceedings of IEEE Open & Big Data Conference.
IV. Personalized Medicine and Research
Blockchain could also revolutionize personalized medicine and research. It can enable secure sharing of genomic data, which can fuel research and pave the way for personalized healthcare treatments [5].
Source:
[5] Grishin, D., Obbad, K., & Church, G. M. (2018). The role of blockchain in storing patient consents and health records for genomic research. Blockchain in Healthcare Today.
V. Challenges and Regulatory Implications
Despite its potential, the adoption of blockchain in health and wellness faces challenges including scalability, energy consumption, and legal and regulatory hurdles [6].
Source:
[6] Ribitzky, R., St. Clair, J., Houlding, D. I., McFarlane, C., Ahier, B., Gould, M., … & Clauson, K. A. (2018). Pragmatic, interdisciplinary perspectives on blockchain and distributed ledger technology: paving the future for healthcare. Blockchain in Healthcare Today, 1.
VI. Conclusion
The advent of blockchain technology offers a promising path to transform health and wellness, from managing health records to enabling personalized medicine. However, successful adoption requires overcoming significant technical, legal, and regulatory challenges. Continuous research and dialogue among stakeholders are vital for harnessing blockchain’s full potential in healthcare.
