Blockchain for Enhancing Security and Privacy in the Smart Healthcare
Amit Kumar Tyagi, R. Seranmadevi · 2024
The rapid digitalization of healthcare systems and the growing integration of smart technologies have made robust security and patient privacy protection critical concerns. Traditional healthcare systems struggle with maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of sensitive patient data. This section explores how blockchain technology can serve as a transformative solution to address these challenges and elevate security and privacy standards in smart healthcare environments. Blockchain, a decentralized and tamper-resistant distributed ledger technology, offers a novel approach to secure data sharing and storage. In the realm of smart healthcare, blockchain can establish a transparent and immutable record of patient information, medical history, and treatment plans, ensuring data integrity by thwarting unauthorized modifications and tampering. The cryptographic features inherent in blockchain provide a strong basis for safeguarding patient privacy. Smart contracts, which are programmable and self-executing scripts on the blockchain, enable precise access control, permitting only authorized entities to access specific patient data. Additionally, the utilization of decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and verifiable credentials enhances patient identity management, mitigating the risks of identity theft and unauthorized access. This section also delves into case studies and ongoing initiatives leveraging blockchain in smart healthcare applications. From electronic health records (EHRs) and interoperability to medical supply chain management, the adoption of blockchain technology showcases promising outcomes in enhancing security, transparency, and privacy. Various challenges and potential drawbacks of implementing blockchain in healthcare are also explored in this section. In conclusion, the integration of blockchain technology in smart healthcare holds significant potential for transforming data security and privacy practices. As the healthcare sector embraces digital evolution, understanding the implications and advantages of blockchain becomes crucial for constructing resilient and patient-centric healthcare ecosystems.