Despite great advances in storage technology and the exchange of health information and data, the lack of easy access to this information by patients and clinicians has long been considered a barrier to transparency and efficiency in healthcare delivery. Among the emerging information communication technologies, blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology that creates a shared, immutable, and chronological record of transactions. Blockchain technology has several characteristics, including decentralized storage and data management infrastructure, high security, privacy protection, accessibility, transparency, and interoperability. There are several potential applications of blockchain in healthcare. The first is health information exchange and interoperability. Blockchain’s decentralized data storage technology can allow immutable patient records to be maintained across different medical organizations. A second application of blockchain involves saving personal health information from wearable devices and the Internet of Things (IoT). Third, blockchain’s distributed identity management model can ensure data integrity and information sharing across medical systems and provide high security and privacy. Fourth, the immutable and interoperable nature of blockchain presents innovative opportunities for medical supply chain management. Fifth, the introduction of the blockchain information system will simplify the medical insurance claim process. Sixth, blockchain can facilitate the upload and integration of experimental data records from different sources due to its characteristics of immutability and transparency. There have been new attempts to apply blockchain technology to control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic throughout the world. The decentralized architecture, high transparency, high interoperability, and high confidentiality and security of the blockchain system meet the requirements for national epidemic prevention, surveillance, and management in Taiwan. If the blockchain surveillance system operated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) detects a clear growing trend of infections after analyzing data from primary care clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and long-term care facilities, the healthcare authority could take immediate actions to control the outbreak. Blockchain technology can improve healthcare delivery in a decentralized, immutable, transparent, and secure manner, and it has the potential to provide long-term benefits as it develops and integrates with other emerging technologies. It can not only protect existing electronic medical records but also provide a powerful tool for patients to take control of their health data.

Applications of Blockchain in Healthcare

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发表日期：

2026年

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Wui-Chiang Lee

摘要

Despite great advances in storage technology and the exchange of health information and data, the lack of easy access to this information by patients and clinicians has long been considered a barrier to transparency and efficiency in healthcare delivery. Among the emerging information communication technologies, blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology that creates a shared, immutable, and chronological record of transactions. Blockchain technology has several characteristics, including decentralized storage and data management infrastructure, high security, privacy protection, accessibility, transparency, and interoperability. There are several potential applications of blockchain in healthcare. The first is health information exchange and interoperability. Blockchain’s decentralized data storage technology can allow immutable patient records to be maintained across different medical organizations. A second application of blockchain involves saving personal health information from wearable devices and the Internet of Things (IoT). Third, blockchain’s distributed identity management model can ensure data integrity and information sharing across medical systems and provide high security and privacy. Fourth, the immutable and interoperable nature of blockchain presents innovative opportunities for medical supply chain management. Fifth, the introduction of the blockchain information system will simplify the medical insurance claim process. Sixth, blockchain can facilitate the upload and integration of experimental data records from different sources due to its characteristics of immutability and transparency. There have been new attempts to apply blockchain technology to control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic throughout the world. The decentralized architecture, high transparency, high interoperability, and high confidentiality and security of the blockchain system meet the requirements for national epidemic prevention, surveillance, and management in Taiwan. If the blockchain surveillance system operated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) detects a clear growing trend of infections after analyzing data from primary care clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and long-term care facilities, the healthcare authority could take immediate actions to control the outbreak. Blockchain technology can improve healthcare delivery in a decentralized, immutable, transparent, and secure manner, and it has the potential to provide long-term benefits as it develops and integrates with other emerging technologies. It can not only protect existing electronic medical records but also provide a powerful tool for patients to take control of their health data.