Exploring the added value of blockchain technology for the healthcare domain

TL;DR

This paper explores how blockchain technology can enhance healthcare by analyzing practical use-cases and reviewing current literature on its potential benefits for patient care, data management, and system interoperability.

Contribution

It provides insights from real-world applications and literature review on the added value of blockchain in healthcare, highlighting practical benefits and challenges.

Findings

Blockchain can improve data security and patient empowerment.

Use-cases demonstrate enhanced data sharing and transparency.

Literature indicates ongoing development and regulatory considerations.

Abstract

In this report, the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) has written down lessons learned on how blockchain technology can have an impact on the healthcare domain. By looking at two use-cases, the hospital challenged several teams, participating in an open innovation program and blockchain hackathon, to find a solution that showed the added value of the technology for patient care and scientific research. Besides this practical perspective, the report also considers literature discussing the current state of blockchain technology in regard to developments in the healthcare domain (touching on patient empowerment, data management, regulations, and interoperability between healthcare systems).