Blockchain and Healthcare: A Critical Analysis of Progress and Challenges in the Last Five Years

Abstract

Utilizing the fundamental characteristics of the decentralization, immutability, and transparency of blockchain technology, the healthcare industry has made notable advancements in incorporating it over the past five years. This review examines the progress and challenges encountered in this critical study by assessing 124 articles published by MDPI between 2018 and the current date. Examining blockchain’s potential uses, like safe data exchange and interoperability in supply chain management and electronic health records, provides exciting new directions for the future of healthcare. Blockchain technology can greatly increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness by guaranteeing data integrity, protecting patient privacy, and reducing administrative procedures. This paper objectively evaluates blockchain’s advancement in healthcare through a thorough analysis of real-world applications and research projects. By highlighting both its advantages and disadvantages, this analysis seeks to add to the continuing conversation about how blockchain will influence the way healthcare is managed and delivered in the future.

Securing Large Healthcare Files in Cloud-Blockchain Integration: A Comprehensive Review

“…While some proposed solutions aim to improve transaction efficiency, network congestion and lag times persist. The lack of common standards and protocols also hinders interoperability between diverse blockchain implementations and cloud providers [2].…”

“…Moreover, the reviews presented in papers [2,31], provided a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology in healthcare, emphasizing its role in ensuring data security and privacy. Their authoritative overview illuminated blockchain's prospects and challenges, cementing foundational knowledge.…”

“…As the volume of data continues to grow exponentially, securely storing, managing, and retrieving large files has become a critical issue. Blockchainʹs immutability and cryptographic security make it well-suited to ensure data integrity and trustworthiness [1,2]. Meanwhile, cloud computing offers scalable and costeffective data storage solutions [3].…”

“…The lack of common standards and protocols can hinder seamless integration. Researching and developing standards to ensure smooth interaction is essential [2].  Quantum computing resistance: With the development of quantum computing, resistance to quantum attacks becomes a concern.…”

Applications of Blockchain-Based Technology for Healthcare Devices Post-market Surveillance

“…The widespread implementation of UDI and BCT has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of regulatory actions by enabling the comprehensive tracking of all medical products on the market and facilitating their swift and effective removal when necessary [36]. BCT possesses the capability to monitor every stage of the medical equipment supply chain by meticulously tracking each transaction [37]. This integration of BCT can bolster data security, elevate the traceability of medical devices throughout the entire supply chain, and contribute to the detection and prevention of medical device fraud [38,39].…”