Blockchain in healthcare: A comprehensive review of applications and security concerns

Abstract

Blockchain technology presents a transformative opportunity for the healthcare industry, offering enhanced data security, integrity, transparency, and operational efficiency. This paper comprehensively examines blockchain's applications, advantages, limitations, and challenges in healthcare. Blockchain ensures the privacy of patient data while complying with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR, and its immutability guarantees data integrity. Moreover, blockchain streamlines operations, reducing fraud and errors in billing and claims processing. Despite its potential, blockchain faces technical complexities, regulatory hurdles, and scalability issues. Interoperability between diverse healthcare systems remains challenging, and energy consumption is a concern in some blockchain implementations. Addressing these challenges and fostering education and adoption are crucial steps toward realizing the full potential of blockchain in revolutionizing healthcare delivery.