Harnessing Blockchain Technology in Healthcare: A Review of Applications and Interoperability

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Published: Dec 31, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63179/rjest.v4i1.51
Keywords:
Blockchain, Data Security, Electronic Health Records, Interoperabiltiy, Meta-Analysis

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Brian Steven Pajarillo
University of St. La Salle
Ruby Tayco
University of St. La Salle
Reinhardt Firmeza
University of St. La Salle
Eddie De Paula Jr.
University of St. La Salle

Abstract

Using blockchain technology in the healthcare sector provides solutions to persistent problems related to data security, interoperability, and cost-effectiveness. This meta-analysis of 126 peer-reviewed articles was conducted to assess the impact of blockchain on healthcare services. The articles selected for this meta-analysis were retrieved from academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Lens.org. Only articles published between 2018 and 2023 were included in the analysis. This study yielded positive findings, including cost-effective data management, improved patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and enhanced service quality. It was also revealed that blockchain helps secure healthcare records through immutable data integrity, decentralized authentication, and reliable access control. Regarding security and privacy in healthcare systems, blockchain technology has strengthened security measures, enhanced privacy controls, and significantly reduced the risk of unauthorized data access. However, its implementation faces challenges, including interoperability issues due to a lack of standardization, variability in data formats across different organizations, incompatibility with legacy systems, scalability concerns, and additional complexities related to regulatory compliance. Blockchain applications in healthcare include implementing interoperability standards, utilizing smart contracts for data transformation, deploying middleware solutions for seamless integration, employing sharding techniques for enhanced scalability, and establishing blockchain-based compliance protocols. This study highlights the transformational opportunities that blockchain technology presents to the healthcare ecosystem, contributing to a roadmap for future research and policy development.

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How to Cite
Pajarillo, B. S., Tayco, R., Firmeza, R., & De Paula, E. (2024). Harnessing Blockchain Technology in Healthcare: A Review of Applications and Interoperability. Research Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 4(1), 25–34. https://doi.org/10.63179/rjest.v4i1.51
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Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): Research Journal of Education, Science and Technology: In Progress
Section
Articles
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Brian Steven Pajarillo, University of St. La Salle

Brian Steven G. Pajarillo is a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in 2022. His interests include graphics design, computer game development, and UX/UI design. Mr. Pajarillo is passionate about pushing the boundaries of digital entertainment and staying at the forefront of industry trends. He has collaborated on various student-led projects focused on interactive media and game prototyping. His goal is to contribute to the growth of the local creative tech industry by developing immersive and user-centric digital experiences.

Ruby Tayco, University of St. La Salle

Ruby P. Tayco graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in 2016 from STI West Negros University. She is a licensed professional teacher with over seven years of teaching experience. Miss Tayco is dedicated to shaping young minds in the fields of programming and social sciences. She integrates real-world examples and project-based learning in her teaching approach to foster both technical skills and critical thinking. Her advocacy includes promoting digital literacy and empowering students to become responsible, innovative contributors in the digital age.

Reinhardt Firmeza, University of St. La Salle

Reinhardt D. Firmeza graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing in 2022 at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. He specializes in graphics design, game design and development, and digital assets processing. Mr. Firmeza is moving towards Game Design in the academe, as he is currently a full-time instructor at the university where he graduated. He mentors aspiring game developers and actively contributes to enhancing the curriculum in entertainment computing. His academic and professional pursuits aim to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application in game development.

Eddie De Paula Jr., University of St. La Salle

Dr. Eddie de Paula, Jr. is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Information Technology at De La Salle University. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management from the Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, graduating in 2017. Prior to this, he completed his Master's in Information Technology at the University of St. La Salle in March 2013. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, also from the University of St. La Salle, where he graduated in 2002. His major field of study has been consistently focused on information technology and computer science. Mr. de Paula has a rich professional background, combining academic and consulting roles. He has been a Professor at the University of St. La Salle since 2007.

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