Peculiarities of blockchain technology introduction in the field of healthcare: current situation and prospects

Abstract

The current situation in the field of health care is considered and the key problems faced by this industry are described. Today, there are two main issues to be addressed in healthcare: data ownership and data security. The patient's medical data is preferably stored in centralized, isolated systems that are incompatible with each other. This situation creates difficulties in terms of timely exchange of medical data and access to them. The lack of data complicates further diagnosis and treatment of the patient. In addition, systems that store medical data are not completely reliable. Third parties can easily access and modify medical data. It is expected that blockchain technology can solve the problems that currently exist in the field of health care. Blockchain technology will create distributed, decentralized systems that will significantly improve the quality of care provided. The paper considers the areas in the field of health care, in which blockchain technology is beginning to develop, as well as related projects. All considered projects can be divided into four areas: supply chain surveillance and fight against counterfeit products, telemedicine, diagnostics, storage and management of medical data. The healthcare sector is developing rapidly and new areas are expected in which the blockchain will be used. Although there are still some problems that need to be overcome for the blockchain to be fully used.