Towards Health 4.0: Blockchain-Based Electronic Health Record for Care Coordination

Abstract

Inter-organizational data sharing in healthcare is fraught with challenges, including diverse healthcare terminologies, incompatible data structures, and issues with data consistency and security. Establishing a unified patient record across a data-sharing network is problematic, and centralized data stores and authority providers are prime targets for cyberattacks. This study proposes a blockchain-based patient data-sharing strategy that relies on network consensus rather than a single, centralized source of trust. The consensus is based on evidence of both structural and semantic interoperability. The primary objective is to develop secure and controlled data-sharing mechanisms that enhance care coordination. The research utilized Kanban as the software development methodology to manage the project effectively. The study found that blockchain-based electronic health record (EHR) systems significantly enhance care coordination by enabling seamless data transfer and fostering trust and collaboration among healthcare providers. Key findings include improved data consistency, enhanced security, and increased interoperability across diverse healthcare systems. These results suggest that blockchain technology can play a crucial role in transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes in the context of Health 4.0. This work contributes to the ongoing discussion on leveraging blockchain technology to revolutionize healthcare systems, offering a robust framework for secure and efficient data sharing that can lead to better healthcare delivery and patient care outcomes.