Integration of Blockchain Technology in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges

Zaid Khan

Abstract

Blockchain is transforming data management with decentralization, immutability, and transparency, particularly in healthcare. It addresses challenges like data protection, interoperability, and supply chain traceability. Blockchain's evolution highlights rapid growth and dynamic research interests, empowering healthcare stakeholders with patient-centric approaches. Immutability ensures data accuracy and security, fostering trust. Its profound impact on clinical research, patient engagement, and self-management is evident. Challenges in scalability, interoperability, and regulatory frameworks persist. Real-world applications showcase its transformative role in personalized patient data management and secure medical record access. Understanding blockchain basics, including consensus mechanisms, reveals its decentralized ledger operation. Applications range from mobile health apps to clinical trials, and smart contracts automate research agreements, enhancing efficiency. Acknowledging challenges emphasizes the complexity of blockchain integration in healthcare. Prospective trends focus on secure searchable blockchain, hierarchical data sharing for H-IoT, and interoperability in blockchain-enabled electronic health records. Embracing blockchain is crucial for a smart healthcare system, improving transparency, accessibility, security, and efficiency