Medical Data Management Using Blockchain

Medical data of a person is an extremely sensitive and valuable resource. If this data gets into the wrong hands, it can be misused in unimaginable ways. Any organization handling this sort of sensitive data is taking on an extremely huge responsibility. A patient should not have to worry about the safety of his data in the hands of a third-party organization. If he is given control of his sensitive data by eliminating the middle man, then handling such data would become a lot easier. This is where the concept of blockchain is introduced. The blockchain technology proves to be an excellent technology to safeguard such data. A blockchain application which connects multiple entities like hospitals, labs, patients and doctors proves to be the perfect solution to ensure that there is no tampering of data.

Attitudes Toward Blockchain Technology in Managing Medical Information: Survey Study

Background The recently developed blockchain technology uses a peer-to-peer network to distribute data to all participants for storage. This method enhances data safety, reliability, integrity, and transparency. To successfully introduce blockchain technology to medical data management, it is essential to obtain consent from medical doctors and patients. Objective The aim of this study was to examine medical doctors’ and patients’ attitudes toward the use of blockchain technology and interpret the findings within the framework of expectancy theory. Methods In this questionnaire survey, we examined medical doctors’ (n=90) and patients’ (n=90) attitudes toward the use of blockchain technology in the management and distribution of medical information. The questionnaire comprised 8 questions that assessed attitudes toward new means of managing and distributing medical information using blockchain technology. Responses were rated on a scale that ranged from 1 (very negative) to 7 (very positive). Results Medical doctors (mean 3.7-5.0) reported significantly more negative attitudes than patients (mean 6.3-6.8). Furthermore, self-employed doctors reported more negative attitudes than employed doctors and university professors. Conclusions To successfully introduce blockchain technology to medical data management, it is necessary to promote positive attitudes toward this technology among medical doctors, especially self-employed doctors.

Attitudes Toward Blockchain Technology in Managing Medical Information: Survey Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The recently developed blockchain technology uses a peer-to-peer network to distribute data to all participants for storage. This method enhances data safety, reliability, integrity, and transparency. To successfully introduce blockchain technology to medical data management, it is essential to obtain consent from medical doctors and patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine medical doctors’ and patients’ attitudes toward the use of blockchain technology and interpret the findings within the framework of expectancy theory. METHODS In this questionnaire survey, we examined medical doctors’ (n=90) and patients’ (n=90) attitudes toward the use of blockchain technology in the management and distribution of medical information. The questionnaire comprised 8 questions that assessed attitudes toward new means of managing and distributing medical information using blockchain technology. Responses were rated on a scale that ranged from 1 (very negative) to 7 (very positive). RESULTS Medical doctors (mean 3.7-5.0) reported significantly more negative attitudes than patients (mean 6.3-6.8). Furthermore, self-employed doctors reported more negative attitudes than employed doctors and university professors. CONCLUSIONS To successfully introduce blockchain technology to medical data management, it is necessary to promote positive attitudes toward this technology among medical doctors, especially self-employed doctors.