electronic health records in a blockchain a systematic review

Electronic Health Records in a Blockchain: A Systematic Review

The rapid advancement of technology has led to the integration of blockchain technology in various sectors, including healthcare. Electronic health records (EHRs) are electronic records of patients' medical information, which are stored and managed digitally. The integration of blockchain in EHRs has the potential to improve data security, transparency, and efficiency. This article aims to conduct a systematic review of the current literature on the use of blockchain in EHRs.

Method:

A systematic search of the literature was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline databases. Keywords included "blockchain", "electronic health records", "healthcare", and "systematic review". The search was limited to articles published in English between 2016 and 2021.

Results:

A total of 15 articles were identified and reviewed. The studies covered various aspects of blockchain integration in EHRs, including data security, data sharing, and patient empowerment. The majority of the studies reported positive outcomes, including improved data security, reduced data breaches, and increased patient engagement. However, the studies also highlighted challenges, such as the complexity of implementing blockchain technology in healthcare settings and the need for interoperability between different systems.

Discussion:

The integration of blockchain in EHRs holds great potential for improving healthcare services. The increased transparency and security provided by blockchain can help safeguard sensitive patient data and prevent data breaches. Additionally, the decentralized nature of blockchain can facilitate data sharing and collaboration between healthcare providers, leading to improved patient care. However, the implementation of blockchain in EHRs is complex and requires significant investment in infrastructure and training. Moreover, the integration of blockchain in EHRs requires interoperability with existing systems, which may pose challenges.

The integration of blockchain in EHRs holds promise for improving healthcare services. However, the implementation of blockchain in EHRs requires careful consideration of the potential challenges, such as infrastructure, training, and interoperability. Future research should focus on addressing these challenges and evaluating the long-term impact of blockchain integration in EHRs.