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OpTrak: Tracking Opioid Prescriptions via Distributed Ledger Technology

Author

Listed:
  • Peng Zhang

    (Vanderbilt University, USA)

  • Breck Stodghill

    (Vanderbilt University, USA)

  • Cory Pitt

    (Vanderbilt University, USA)

  • Cavin Briody

    (Vanderbilt University, USA)

  • Douglas C. Schmidt

    (Vanderbilt University, USA)

  • Jules White

    (Vanderbilt University, USA)

  • Alan Pitt

    (Barrow Neurological Institute, USA)

  • Kelly Aldrich

    (Center for Medical Interoperability, USA)

Abstract

This article describes the structure and functionality of OpTrak, a decentralized app implemented using the Ethereum blockchain that targets the opioid epidemic currently plaguing the United States. Over-prescription and distribution of opioids cost the national healthcare system over $78 billion every year. Problems persist in every stage of the process, from doctors prescribing the medication to the pharmacists fulfilling prescriptions. These problems arise from a combination of factors, including lack of accountability, transparency, and reliability in the current prescription drug monitoring programs. This work provides three key contributions to research on a technical approach to mitigate the opioid epidemic. First, the authors pinpoint key problems in the current opioid prescription system. Second, they propose an integrated approach for addressing the problems by leveraging distributed ledgers, focusing on blockchain technology. Third, the authors describe the structure and functionality of OpTrak that allows a consortium of care providers to exchange patient prescription data securely.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng Zhang & Breck Stodghill & Cory Pitt & Cavin Briody & Douglas C. Schmidt & Jules White & Alan Pitt & Kelly Aldrich, 2019. "OpTrak: Tracking Opioid Prescriptions via Distributed Ledger Technology," International Journal of Information Systems and Social Change (IJISSC), IGI Global, vol. 10(2), pages 45-61, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:igg:jissc0:v:10:y:2019:i:2:p:45-61
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