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Blockchain in Health Information Systems: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Aleika Lwiza Alves Fonsêca

    (Laboratory of Technological Innovation in Health (LAIS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59010-090, Brazil
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ingridy Marina Pierre Barbalho

    (Laboratory of Technological Innovation in Health (LAIS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59010-090, Brazil
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Felipe Fernandes

    (Laboratory of Technological Innovation in Health (LAIS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59010-090, Brazil)

  • Ernano Arrais Júnior

    (Laboratory of Technological Innovation in Health (LAIS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59010-090, Brazil)

  • Danilo Alves Pinto Nagem

    (Laboratory of Technological Innovation in Health (LAIS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59010-090, Brazil)

  • Pablo Holanda Cardoso

    (Laboratory of Technological Innovation in Health (LAIS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59010-090, Brazil)

  • Nícolas Vinícius Rodrigues Veras

    (Laboratory of Technological Innovation in Health (LAIS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59010-090, Brazil)

  • Fernando Lucas de Oliveira Farias

    (Laboratory of Technological Innovation in Health (LAIS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59010-090, Brazil)

  • Ana Raquel Lindquist

    (Laboratory of Technological Innovation in Health (LAIS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59010-090, Brazil
    Laboratory of Intervention and Analysis of Movement, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59000-000, Brazil)

  • João Paulo Q. dos Santos

    (Advanced Nucleus of Technological Innovation (NAVI), Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59015-000, Brazil)

  • Antonio Higor Freire de Morais

    (Advanced Nucleus of Technological Innovation (NAVI), Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59015-000, Brazil)

  • Jorge Henriques

    (Department of Informatics Engineering, Center for Informatics and Systems of the University of Coimbra, Universidade de Coimbra, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Marcia Lucena

    (Department of Informatics and Applied Mathematics (DIMAP), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-900, Brazil)

  • Ricardo Alexsandro de Medeiros Valentim

    (Laboratory of Technological Innovation in Health (LAIS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59010-090, Brazil)

Abstract

(1) Background: With the increasing digitalization of healthcare systems, data security and privacy have become crucial issues. In parallel, blockchain technology has gradually proven to be an innovative solution to address this challenge, as its ability to provide an immutable and secure record of transactions offers significant promise for healthcare information management. This systematic review aims to explore the applications of blockchain in health information systems, highlighting its advantages and challenges. (2) Methods: The publications chosen to compose this review were collected from six databases, resulting in the initial identification of 4864 studies. Of these, 73 were selected for in-depth analysis. (3) Results: The main results show that blockchain has been used mainly in electronic health records (63%). Furthermore, it was used in the Internet of Medical Things (8.2%) and for data sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic (6.8%). As advantages, greater security, privacy, and data integrity were identified, while the challenges point to the need for standardization and regulatory issues. (4) Conclusions: Despite the difficulties encountered, blockchain has significant potential to improve healthcare data management. However, more research and continued collaboration between those involved are needed to maximize its benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Aleika Lwiza Alves Fonsêca & Ingridy Marina Pierre Barbalho & Felipe Fernandes & Ernano Arrais Júnior & Danilo Alves Pinto Nagem & Pablo Holanda Cardoso & Nícolas Vinícius Rodrigues Veras & Fernando L, 2024. "Blockchain in Health Information Systems: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(11), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:11:p:1512-:d:1520478
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Syed Agha Hassnain Mohsan & Abdul Razzaq & Shahbaz Ahmed Khan Ghayyur & Hend Khalid Alkahtani & Nouf Al-Kahtani & Samih M. Mostafa, 2022. "Decentralized Patient-Centric Report and Medical Image Management System Based on Blockchain Technology and the Inter-Planetary File System," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Gousia Habib & Sparsh Sharma & Sara Ibrahim & Imtiaz Ahmad & Shaima Qureshi & Malik Ishfaq, 2022. "Blockchain Technology: Benefits, Challenges, Applications, and Integration of Blockchain Technology with Cloud Computing," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-22, November.
    3. Huma Saeed & Hassaan Malik & Umair Bashir & Aiesha Ahmad & Shafia Riaz & Maheen Ilyas & Wajahat Anwaar Bukhari & Muhammad Imran Ali Khan, 2022. "Blockchain technology in healthcare: A systematic review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(4), pages 1-31, April.
    4. 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.
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