Advancing health equity for people experiencing homelessness using blockchain technology for identity management: A research agenda

Abstract

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are medically complex, with limited access to health care and unmet health-related social needs. People experiencing homelessness must access a wide range of health and social services, for which they must typically show proof of identity. Many PEH do not have original vital documents, which are highly susceptible to damage, loss, or theft. Lack of proof of identity is a major barrier to receiving services, and can exacerbate health inequities plaguing this population. Blockchain technology can be used to ensure secure and portable identity management in health care. Based on our clinical experience caring for this population, and implementation of a pilot blockchain-based identity management solution for PEH in our community, we believe blockchain can solve the identity management problem among PEH. We propose a research agenda that will help stakeholders determine how blockchain technology could be an innovative and effective techQuity solution for this pernicious problem.