Blockchain technology (BT) is quietly transforming the world, from financial infrastructure, to the internet-of-things, to healthcare applications. With increasing penetration of BT into various areas of our daily lives, the need arises for better awareness and greater knowledge about the capabilities, benefits, risks, and alternatives to distributed ledger applications. It is hoped that current book will be one of the pioneering collections focusing on blockchain implementations in the area of healthcare, with specific aim to present content in an easy-to-understand and readily accessible way for typical end-users of blockchain-based applications. There are important areas within the fabric of modern healthcare that stand to benefit from implementations of BT. These areas include electronic medical records, quality control, patient safety, finance, device tracking, biostamping/biocertification, redundant storage of critical data, health and liability insurance, medication utilization tracking (including opioid and antibiotic misuse), financial transactions, academics/education, asset tokenization, public health and pandemics, healthcare provider credentialing, and many other potential applications. The ultimate goal of the proposed book would be to provide an integrative, easy-to-understand, and comprehensive picture of the current state of blockchain use in healthcare while actively engaging the reader in a forward-looking, exploratory approach toward future developments in this space. To accomplish this goal, an expert panel of contributors has been assembled, featuring scholars from top global universities and think-tanks.
Author(s): Stanislaw Stawicki
Series: Integrated Science, 10
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 251
City: Cham
Preface
Contents
1 Introductory Chapter: Early Applications and Evolution of Blockchain Implementations in Medicine
References
2 Can Blockchain Technology Change Contemporary Medicine as It is Currently Understood?
Introduction
What is Blockchain Technology (BCT)?
Applications of Blockchain Technology (BCT) in Medicine
Investigation
Study Design
Information Analysis
Clinical Trials
Publication of Research Papers
Teaching
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs)
Wise for Meaningful
Big Data
Legal Medicine
Payment for Assistance
Conclusions
References
3 The Current State of Healthcare Information Exchange (HIE) and Proposing a Blockchain HIE Infrastructure
Introduction: The Value of Streamlining Health Information Exchange
Background on Healthcare Information Exchange
ONC Vision for Interoperability and Technological Solutions for National Electronic HIE
Existing Standards for Healthcare Information Exchange
CCDs
Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) and United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI)
Blockchain Technology as the Solution for HIE
Blockchain Basics for Healthcare Information Exchange
Healthcare Consortium Blockchain
Patient Keys
Considerations in Constructing a Blockchain Specific to Health Information Exchange
COVID-19 SMART Health Cards Use Case
Current Work in EHR Interoperability
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
4 An Amalgamation of Blockchain and Connected Health for Combating COVID-19
Overview
Connected Health
Architecture of Connected Health
Perception Layer
Communication Layer
Healthcare Service Layer
Challenges of Connected Health
Security and Privacy
Traceability
Briefing of Blockchain Technology
Smart Contract
Integration of Blockchain and Connected Health
Opportunities of Integrating Blockchain with Connected Health
Security Improvement of Connected Health Systems
Privacy Protection of Connected Health Data
Traceability of Connected Health Data
Architecture of Blockchain-Empowered Connected Health
Case Study
Prevention of Infectious Diseases
Clinical Trial Management
Traceable Medical Supply Chain
Summary
References
5 Applications of Blockchain Technology in the COVID-19 Era
Introduction
Blockchain Technology (BCT) and COVID-19
Epidemiological Situation
Information Management
Supply Chains
Scientific Research
The Working Model
Finances
Conclusions
References
6 Distributed Ledgers and Immunity Passports: The Intersection of Clinical Medicine and Digital Technology
Introduction
Vaccines and Immunity
Basics of Blockchain Theory and Technologies
Basics of the Human Immune System
Fundamentals of Vaccines
The Concept of Herd Immunity
The Concept of a Novel Virus
Immunity Records
Application of Blockchain Technology to Immunity Passports
What Are the Data Elements that Need to Be Included?
Who Should Be Authorized to or Modify the Blockchain Record?
Who Owns the Private Key to Data?
Dealing with Loss of Private Key
Verification of Data Elements Versus Actual Immunity Status
Demonstration of Required Data Elements by Individuals
Preventing Systemic Abuse
Will Immunity Passports Be Effective?
Who Should Pay for the Immunity Passport Framework Design and Implementation?
What Government, Group or Authority Should Determine Data Element Inclusion?
Management of Non-compliance
Conclusions
References
7 Digital Identity, Computational Reliabilism, and the Future of IOMT: Epistemic Reasoning and the Role of Blockchain in Removing Human Tampering from Pharmacovigilance Decision Making
Introduction
Digital Identification and Its Challenges
Ensuring Accuracy and Authenticity
Blockchain to the Rescue
The Hash Function: SHA256
The Proof of Work (PoW) Algorithm
Computational Reliabilism
Expertise: History of Theoretical Development
Expertise: Expert Authorities
Algorithmic Competence (Virtue Epistemology)
Measurement Robustness
Conclusion
References
8 Potential Implementations of Blockchain Technology in Patient Safety: A High-Level Overview
Introduction
Brief Overview of Blockchain Technology
Blockchain and Electronic Health Records
Surgical Applications of Blockchain
Blockchain in Medication Safety
Prevention of Counterfeit Medications
Nuclear Medical Material Safety
Curtailing Drug Abuse with the Help of Blockchain
Blockchain-Based Patient Tracking
Visitor Tracking in Highly Sensitive Areas
Multiple Casualty Scenarios
Follow-Up and Long-Term Care
Real-Time Information Sharing Within the Internet-Of-Things (IoT) Paradigm
Immunity Certificates/passports
Device Tracking/Identification
Tracking of Product Expiration Dates
Secure Transactions and Fraud Prevention
Blockchain Security and Patient Autonomy
Estonia: An Example of Blockchain Implementation in Healthcare
Implementation Basics
Important Limitations
Conclusions
References
9 Blockchain in Medical Education
Introduction to Medical Education and Blockchain
Identity, Learner Records Management and Learner Credentialing
Funding, Payment, and Educational E-commerce
Medical Meta University
Global Medical Assessment—Validation, Authentication, and Certification
Clinical E-Learning
Medical CPD (Continued Professional Development)
References
10 Blockchain in Education: Linking Competency Assessment with Credentialing
Introduction
Credentialing and Privileging of Medical Practitioners
Current Credentialing Process
Technological Advantages and Challenges of Blockchain
A Changing Landscape
The Vision
Conclusion
References
11 Optimizing Blockchain Technology in Academic Medicine
Introduction
Using Blockchain for Academic Records
Tokenization of Academic Achievements
Creating a Secure Space for Academic Transactions
Discussion
Conclusion
References
12 Distributed Research Networks
Introduction
Centralized Networks
Decentralized Networks
Distributed Networks
Human–Computer Hybrid Research Networks
Conclusion
References
13 Use of Blockchain Technology for Implantable Medical Device Tracking
Introduction
What Exactly Blockchain Technology Means for Implantable Medical Devices?
Methods
Health Information Exchange and Device Tracking
Smart Contracts
Medical Device Development
Discussion
Conclusion
References
14 Application of Blockchain Technology in Healthcare Supply Chains
Introduction to Blockchain Technology
Blockchain Technology Framework and Types
Application of Blockchain Technology in Healthcare Supply Chains
Challenges and Opportunities for Adoption of Blockchain in Healthcare Supply Chains
Insights and Conclusions
References
15 The Use of Blockchain in Fighting Medical Misinformation: A Concept Paper
Introduction
What is Scientific Consensus?
Will Consensus Mechanisms be Effective in Curtailing Medical Misinformation?
How Good Intentions Lead to Harm: Fact Versus Belief
Providing Balance: The Case of Helicobacter Pylori:
Movement Toward Potential Solutions
Blockchain and Scientific Consensus: From Inception to Post-Publication
Data Sharing and Verification
Conclusion
References
Index
