Blockchain Applications in the Biomedical Domain: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Blockchain is a distributed, immutable ledger technology introduced as the enabling mechanism to support cryptocurrencies. Blockchain solutions are currently being proposed to address diverse problems in different domains. This paper presents a scoping review of the scientific literature to map the current research area of blockchain applications in the biomedical domain. The goal is to identify biomedical problems treated with blockchain technology, the level of maturity of respective approaches, types of biomedical data considered, blockchain features and functionalities exploited and blockchain technology frameworks used. The study follows the PRISMA-ScR methodology. Literature search was conducted on August 2018 and the systematic selection process identified 47 research articles for detailed study. Our findings show that the field is still in its infancy, with the majority of studies in the conceptual or architectural design phase; only one study reports real world demonstration and evaluation. Research is greatly focused on integration, integrity and access control of health records and related patient data. However, other diverse and interesting applications are emerging, addressing medical research, clinical trials, medicines supply chain, and medical insurance.

Towards a European health research and innovation cloud (HRIC)

“…To address this issue, we suggest using modern cryptology such as blockchain to ensure data security by design, and holding regular data security assessments (for example, using hackathons and/ or commercial security audits). As shown in recent literature, the use of blockchain in biomedical research is still in its infancy [30]. However, blockchain or other advanced cryptology tools that can be used to protect data in a cloud environment could prove useful in ensuring the secure and trustworthy implementation of the HRIC [31].…”

“…29 Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland. 30 European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany. 31 Integrated Biobank of Luxembourg, Rue Louis Rech, L-3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg.…”

Quantum blockchain using weighted hypergraph states

“…Blockchain is an example of this technology and many cryptocurrencies, e.g., bitcoin, etherium, litecoin, ripple, are based on the blockchain technology. This technology has found use in biomedical domains [3], preventing fake news in social media [4], as well as in public administration [5]. The blockchain technology aims to preserve and secure information in worldwide-distributed ledgers.…”

Opinions on Sustainability of Smart Cities in the Context of Energy Challenges Posed by Cryptocurrency Mining

“…Nakamoto did reference [9] in the Bitcoin work, showing some sort of progression in the development. Blockchain is an unchanging and distributed technology which is based on ledger innovation [11], it finds application in the decentralization of markets [12], and allows for real time financial transactions without visiting a financial institution, or without any form of monitoring by these institutions (the so-called third party). In addition to decentralizing payments, there are continuous proofs of the usefulness of blockchain in other aspects of society.…”

“…For instance in medical and healthcare domains [13][14][15][16]. Authors [11] specifically evaluated blockchain relevance to biomedical research, [17] explained that it could find application in ICT, especially in Internet of Things [18] where it has been predicted to bring about magnificent changes in the way business is done, and in cloud computing [19]. In the area of education, [20] explained that a number of blockchain-based educational softwares are already making waves in the market nowadays.…”