Blockchain Affordances for Digital Health- A Conceptual Framework and Research Agenda (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The current digital health context is incapable of supporting the future need for data security and storage in digital health services. It requires implementing a robust, interoperable, and scalable data storage and security solution to address this future need. Blockchain is an emerging information technology that can support this industry's timely needs. Therefore, a clear foundational understanding of Blockchain affordances for digital health is significant to harness its full potential. OBJECTIVE Objective: This paper presents a comprehensive review of Blockchain affordances for digital health. The review aims to: 1) identify the perceived Blockchain affordances and 2) explore the recent Blockchain research in digital health (actualized). METHODS We applied the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology to review the literature extant. Furthermore, we applied the affordance theory lens to define and defend our findings on Blockchain affordances. RESULTS A total of 3627 relevant papers have been identified and analysed in this review study. Of these, 90 were probed deeply. Our analysis identified 14 Blockchain affordances (Access control, Interoperability, Security, Tamper-resistance, Traceability, Anonymity, Data Provenance, Identity, Immutability, Integrity, Privacy, Transparency, and Trust) which are perceived and actualized in digital health. Our study also discovered several constraints in Blockchain implementation such as security and privacy, interoperability, scalability, and infrastructural support that requires further research attention. CONCLUSIONS We believe this study will guide further Blockchain research in the digital health domain and informatively contribute to eliminating (decreasing) the dark side of digital health and improving (increasing) the bright side for the future.