Blockchain in Healthcare: Implementing Hyperledger Fabric for Electronic Health Records at Frere Provincial Hospital

TL;DR

This paper explores implementing Hyperledger Fabric blockchain technology for electronic health record management at a South African hospital, highlighting benefits, challenges, and potential to improve security, transparency, and efficiency.

Contribution

It demonstrates a practical implementation of Hyperledger Fabric for EHRs in healthcare, providing insights into its benefits and challenges in a real-world hospital setting.

Findings

Blockchain enhances security and transparency of EHRs.

Implementation is feasible with modular Hyperledger Fabric architecture.

Study offers practical insights for healthcare blockchain adoption.

Abstract

As healthcare systems worldwide continue to grapple with the challenges of interoperability, data security, and accessibility, integrating emerging technologies becomes imperative. This paper investigates the implementation of blockchain technology, specifically Hyperledger Fabric, for Electronic Health Records (EHR) management at Frere Hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The paper examines the benefits and challenges of integrating blockchain into healthcare information systems. Hyperledger Fabric's modular architecture is harnessed to create a secure, transparent, and decentralized platform for storing, managing, and sharing EHRs among stakeholders. The study used a mixed-methods approach, integrating case studies and data collection methods through observation and informal questions, with the specific goal of understanding current record management methods and challenges. This method offers practical insights and validates the approach. The result demonstrates the role of blockchain in transforming healthcare, framed within a rigorous exploration and analysis. The findings of this study have broader implications for healthcare institutions seeking advanced solutions to address the persistent challenges in electronic health record management. Ultimately, the research underscores the transformative potential of blockchain technology in healthcare settings, fostering trust, security, and efficiency in the management of sensitive patient data.