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Blockchain-Based Framework for Interoperable Electronic Health Records for an Improved Healthcare System

Author

Listed:
  • Faheem Ahmad Reegu

    (Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi, Johor Bahru 50480, Malaysia
    College of Computer science and Information Technology, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia)

  • Hafiza Abas

    (Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi, Johor Bahru 50480, Malaysia)

  • Yonis Gulzar

    (Department of Management Information Systems, College of Business Administration, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia)

  • Qin Xin

    (Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Faroe Islands, Vestarabryggja 15, FO 100 Torshavn, Denmark)

  • Ali A. Alwan

    (Schools of Theoretical and Applied Science, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA)

  • Abdoh Jabbari

    (College of Computer science and Information Technology, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia)

  • Rahul Ganpatrao Sonkamble

    (Computer Engineering, MIT Art, Desgin and Technology University, Pune 412201, India)

  • Rudzidatul Akmam Dziyauddin

    (Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi, Johor Bahru 50480, Malaysia)

Abstract

The healthcare industry has been transitioning from paper-based medical records to electronic health records (EHRs) in most healthcare facilities. However, the current EHR frameworks face challenges in secure data storage, credibility, and management. Interoperability and user control of personal data are also significant concerns in the healthcare sector. Although block chain technology has emerged as a powerful solution that can offer the properties of immutability, security, and user control on stored records, its potential application in EHR frameworks is not yet fully understood. To address this gap in knowledge, this research aims to provide an interoperable blockchain-based EHR framework that can fulfill the requirements defined by various national and international EHR standards such as HIPAA and HL7. The research method employed is a systematic literature review to explore the current state of the art in the field of EHRs, including blockchain-based implementations of EHRs. The study defines the interoperability issues in the existing blockchain-based EHR frameworks, reviews various national and international standards of EHR, and further defines the interoperability requirements based on these standards. The proposed framework can offer safer methods to interchange health information for the healthcare sector and can provide the properties of immutability, security, and user control on stored records without the need for centralized storage. The contributions of this work include enhancing the understanding of the potential application of blockchain technology in EHR frameworks and proposing an interoperable blockchain-based EHR framework that can fulfill the requirements defined by various national and international EHR standards. Overall, this study has significant implications for the healthcare sector, as it can enhance the secure sharing and storage of electronic health data while ensuring the confidentiality, privacy, and integrity of medical records.

Suggested Citation

  • Faheem Ahmad Reegu & Hafiza Abas & Yonis Gulzar & Qin Xin & Ali A. Alwan & Abdoh Jabbari & Rahul Ganpatrao Sonkamble & Rudzidatul Akmam Dziyauddin, 2023. "Blockchain-Based Framework for Interoperable Electronic Health Records for an Improved Healthcare System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:8:p:6337-:d:1117856
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huru Hasanova & Ui‐jun Baek & Mu‐gon Shin & Kyunghee Cho & Myung‐Sup Kim, 2019. "A survey on blockchain cybersecurity vulnerabilities and possible countermeasures," International Journal of Network Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(2), March.
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