Blockchain in Health Care, Evolutionary or Revolutionary - An Evidence-Based Review

Abstract

Blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive force with the potential to transform various industries, including healthcare. This review paper assesses the current evidence regarding the application of blockchain in healthcare and evaluates whether its integration represents an evolutionary or revolutionary shift in the field. Blockchain offers a decentralized, immutable ledger that ensures secure and transparent record-keeping, addressing critical issues such as data integrity and interoperability. Despite its potential benefits, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, scalability issues, and interoperability remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. This paper examines the implementation of blockchain in five key areas of healthcare: electronic health records, supply chain management, clinical trials, telemedicine, and medical research. Each section discusses findings from relevant studies, highlighting potential benefits and challenges. Overall, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of blockchain on healthcare and to guide future research and implementation efforts.

Keywords: Blockchain; clinical trials; electronic health records; healthcare; supply chain management; telemedicine.