Blockchain for Secure and Interoperable Electronic Health Records (EHR): Challenges and Opportunities in Decentralized Healthcare Data Management

Abstract

Electronic Health Records (HER) are one of the fundamental tools of present healthcare organization and management. Still, problems like data fragmentation, security issues, and compatibility issues have become the main challenges. The decentralized, immutable, and open architecture of blockchain provides a new perspective to addressing such issues. This work aims to discuss the implementation of the blockchain in EHR systems by capturing the benefits associated with the technology, such as security, compliance, and patients’ control over their records. To ground the study, this paper first discusses the shortcomings of conventional EHR systems and then describes blockchain’s core concepts. The next one looks into how blockchain can decentralize the handling of health data and share such data easily across the stakeholders, with particular emphasis on the legal requirements for data sharing, such as the HIPAA and GDPR. Use cases for patient-controlled health records, using Blockchain in clinical trials, and use of smart contracts in processing insurance claims are presented to explain different applications of this Inline technology. However, like with any novel technology, there are challenges, such as scalability, compliance with the current legislation, and compatibility with existing structures, which remain problems with the implementation of blockchain in healthcare. These challenges are discussed in this paper, and recommendations are made that would require the effort of technology developers, healthcare organizations/centers, and policymakers. Combining the existing research and practical application, this paper highlights how blockchain can become an enabler of change, bringing security, connectivity, and patient-centricity to the healthcare settings of the present day and the future. The discussion section provides recommendations on how developments in the subsequent research and policy can actually realize the value of blockchain in healthcare.