Enhancing Healthcare Data Security Using Blockchain

Abstract

Healthcare data management has undergone significant transformation with the widespread adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHR). However, this evolution also presents critical challenges related to data security, privacy, and interoperability. Traditional EHR systems often fall short in implementing robust safeguards against unauthorized access, data tampering, and breaches, putting sensitive patient information at risk. Addressing these concerns is vital to ensure trust in healthcare systems and compliance with stringent regulatory frameworks. This paper investigates the potential of blockchain technology as a solution to enhance the security and reliability of EHR systems. Blockchain's inherent characteristics, including its immutable and decentralized architecture, align closely with the requirements for improving data integrity, privacy, and accessibility. Key features of blockchain, such as distributed ledgers, cryptographic security, and consensus mechanisms, offer a compelling framework to address vulnerabilities in conventional EHR systems. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, this study identifies recurring issues in existing EHR platforms, such as susceptibility to breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, and the lack of seamless interoperability among stakeholders. To evaluate blockchain's viability, the research developed a prototype solution by integrating blockchain technology with an open-source EHR platform, OpenEMR. Smart contracts were employed to automate data access permissions and enforce data integrity. The prototype underwent rigorous testing in simulated healthcare environments to assess its performance in ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The results demonstrate that the proposed blockchain-based system effectively mitigates many of the security and privacy concerns prevalent in traditional EHR systems. Additionally, it enhances transparency and facilitates secure data sharing among authorized stakeholders without compromising patient confidentiality.