Blockchain Empowered Interoperable Framework for Smart Healthcare

Abstract

In the past, healthcare industry used paper-based systems to manage and store medical records. However, these systems are vulnerable to data breaches, loss, and errors. To overcome these issues, a research study has been conducted to create a safe and efficient Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system for healthcare using blockchain technology. The study utilized various tools and methods including Python as the programming language to implement the blockchain environment, the pyQT5 library for graphical user interface (GUI), and the MySQL database management system as a repository for Electronic Health Records (EHR) with DBeaver, a cross-platform tool for data management. The research work involves the development of a blockchain-based smart contract for the storage, exchange, and retrieval of EHR. Additionally, a Python application based on pyQT5 is created to provide users with a friendly GUI. The proposed blockchain-based healthcare system provides a secure and efficient platform for storing and managing EHR as well as enabling secure EDI among healthcare stakeholders like practices, doctors, labs, and pharmacies. Furthermore, the system is scalable and user-friendly, and includes various features like patient visits, history, practices, doctors, and appointment scheduling. Blockchain technology ensures EHR integrity, secure EDI, and confidentiality, while the user-friendly interface enhances the user experience compared to the existing EDI standards like health level 7 (HL7).