Use of Blockchain Technology to Accelerate Digital Health Transformation Programs

Abstract

Disruptive digital health technologies are reshaping how patients interact with health professionals, how data are shared among providers, and how treatment plans and health outcomes are determined. While the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, challenges remain in realizing the potential of digital transformation programs in healthcare. Specifically, health data need to remain secure, usable, and shareable across multiple stakeholder groups in a world where silos between organizations and information systems persist. The implementation of innovative and disruptive digital technologies such as blockchain can offer a solution to these challenges. This article explores how blockchain technology can be used to accelerate digital health transformation programs. It provides an overview of the technology applications (i.e. data management, Internet of Medical Things [IoMT], supply chain management, and health insurance) and key players based on a literature review and secondary data. It also identifies challenges and success factors in implementing blockchain in healthcare. At the organizational level, we discuss the careful planning and specialized expertise required to overcome the technical, regulatory, and adoption-related hurdles associated with implementing blockchain technology. At the system level, the authors discuss the regulatory constraints, standardization and interoperability issues, and stakeholder engagement challenges linked to implementing blockchain technology.