Journal:Strengthening public health surveillance through blockchain technology
Full article title | Strengthening public health surveillance through blockchain technology |
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Journal | AIMS Public Health |
Author(s) | Bhattacharya, Sudip; Singh, Amarjeet; Hossain, Md Mahbub |
Author affiliation(s) | Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Texas A & M University |
Primary contact | Email: docbilu at gmail dot com |
Year published | 2019 |
Volume and issue | 6(3) |
Page(s) | 326-333 |
DOI | 10.3934/publichealth.2019.3.326 |
ISSN | 2327-8994 |
Distribution license | Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International |
Website | http://www.aimspress.com/article/10.3934/publichealth.2019.3.326 |
Download | http://www.aimspress.com/article/10.3934/publichealth.2019.3.326/pdf (PDF) |
Abstract
Blockchain technology is a decentralized system of recording data and performing transactions which is increasingly being used across many industries, including healthcare. It has several unique features like the validation of transaction processes, prevention of systems failure from any single point of transaction, and approval of data sharing with optimal security, to name a few. At the hospital level, blockchain technologies are used in electronic medical records systems, insurance claims systems, billing management processes, and so on. Moreover, this technology is helpful to manage logistic and human resources to achieve the quality of care in learning health systems. In many countries, blockchain is being used to promote patient-centered care by sharing patient data for remote monitoring and management. Furthermore, blockchain technology has the potential to strengthen disease surveillance systems in cases of disease outbreaks resulting in local and global health emergencies. In such conditions, blockchain can be used to identify health security concerns, analyze preventive measures, and facilitate decision-making processes to act rapidly and effectively. Despite its limitations, research, and practice based on blockchain technology have shown promises to strengthen health systems around the world, with a potential to reduce the global burden of diseases, mortality, morbidity, and economic costs.
Keywords: blockchain technology, telemedicine, medical informatics, disease outbreaks, population surveillance
Introduction
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Notes
This presentation is faithful to the original, with only a few minor changes to presentation. In some cases important information was missing from the references, and that information was added.