Strengthening public health surveillance through blockchain technology

Abstract

Blockchain technology is a decentralized system of recording data and performing transactions which is increasingly being used across many industries, including healthcare. It has several unique features like the validation of transaction processes, prevention of systems failure from any single point of transaction, and approval of data sharing with optimal security, to name a few. At the hospital level, blockchain technologies are used in the electronic medical records systems, insurance claims, billing management, and so on. Moreover, this technology is helpful to manage logistic and human resources to achieve the quality of care in learning health systems. In many countries, blockchain is being used to promote patient-centered care by sharing patient data for remote monitoring and management. Furthermore, blockchain technology has the potential to strengthen disease surveillance systems in cases of disease outbreaks resulting in local and global health emergencies. In such conditions, blockchain can be used to identify health security concerns, analyze preventive measures, and facilitate decision-making processes to act rapidly and effectively. Despite its limitations, research, and practice based on blockchain technology have shown promises to strengthen health systems around the world with a potential to reduce the global burden of diseases, mortality, morbidity, and economic costs.

How Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Can Help Better Manage the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Furthermore, block-chain technology is a unique decentralized system of recording, verifying and approving data and carrying out a series of transactions. It is characterized by a high level of security and enables the delivery of patient-centered healthcare services, enhanced public health surveillance, management of outbreaks and a quick and effective decision-making process [20][21][22]. A low-cost block-chain and AI-coupled self-testing and tracking system has been proposed for managing the COVID-19 pandemics, in developed settings (to avoid overwhelming and straining public health capacity and healthcare/laboratory infrastructure) and in developing, resource-limited contexts [20].…”

Harnessing the potential of the primary healthcare facilities in India to respond COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, it still seems to be a dream as most of the potential candidates are still in different phases of clinical trials. [ 23 ] Even if a vaccine becomes available in near future, its mass production, access, affordability, and delivery is a big challenge for the entire world.…”

Governance nell’innovazione: Sanità Digitale, Mobile Health, Big Data, Virtual Reality

“…I Big Data utilizzano una tecnologia definita block-chain, il quale è un sistema decentralizzato unico focalizzato sull'esecuzione di una serie di transizioni di flussi informativi, caratterizzato da una fase continua di registrazione, verifica e validazione dei dati. Tale work-flow permette un elevato livello di sicurezza, che, applicato a livello sanitario, consente l'erogazione con sicurezza e validità di dati e servizi sanitari incentrati sul paziente, una migliore sorveglianza della salute pubblica e un processo decisionale rapido ed efficace (15)(16)(17).…”