What is Blockchain, and Why It Matters?
Blockchain is a decentralised digital ledger that stores transactions across a network of computers. Data, once recorded, cannot be changed without consensus, making it extremely secure, auditable, and transparent.
When used in healthcare, blockchain can:
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Authenticate the origin of medical data
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.Monitor data access in real-time
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.Avoid unauthorized changes or data theft.
How Blockchain and IoT Collaborate within Healthcare
Protecting Data at Its Source
Blockchain can be connected to IoT devices to record all data at the time it's taken. Patient data is secure and cannot have been tampered with, changed, deleted, or accessed improperly.
Advantages
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Secure logging of patient data in real-time.
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Tamper-evident medical records.
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Enhanced confidence in device-logged data
Access Control and Visibility Enhanced
Patient, provider, and stakeholder can see the access logs to medical information from blockchain-based platforms. Smart contracts may be used to enforce and automate access levels under certain terms and conditions.
Advantages
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Patient-held sharing of information.
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Visible record of data accessibility.
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Less workload on staff administrative.
System Interoperability
One of the biggest challenges for healthcare is system fragmentation. Blockchain provides a secure, global data-sharing platform that facilitates effortless communication between IoT devices, EHRs, and third-party systems.
Benefits
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Consolidated patient records.
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Improved and quicker diagnostics.
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Efficient coordination among care providers.
Integrity of the Supply Chain for Medical Devices and Medications
With IoT for tracking and blockchain for verification, healthcare providers can authenticate and verify the condition of medications and devices throughout the supply chain.
Benefits
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Prevention of fake drugs.
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Complete traceability from producer to patient.
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Enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements
Real-World Use Cases
Mediledger: A blockchain network that protects the integrity of pharmaceutical supply chains.
Chronicled + Deloitte: IoT and blockchain combined for vaccine distribution cold chain monitoring.
Guard-time Health: Blockchain for patient health records protection in national systems.
Challenges to Overcome
In spite of the potential, the use of blockchain and IoT in healthcare has a number of challenges to overcome
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Regulatory uncertainty.
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Expensive implementation.
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Need for interoperability and standardisation.
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Technical training needs and technical complexity.
The Road Ahead
As healthcare becomes more digitized and cyber threats grow, the use of blockchain and IoT will be inevitable. Regulators and tech providers are already working together to develop secure, scalable solutions that keep patients safe while enhancing care delivery.
Savvy hospitals and progressive healthcare groups that adopt this dual technology not only protect their infrastructure but will also gain trust with patients as data privacy reigns supreme during this time.