journal of biomedical informatics
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Blockchain Technology in Biomedical Informatics: Enhancing Data Security and Interoperability

Hyun-woo Choi*
 
Department of Biomedical Informatics, Korea University, Korea, Email: hchoi@informatics.korea.kr
 
*Correspondence: Hyun-woo Choi, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Korea University, Korea, Email: hchoi@informatics.korea.kr

Published: 26-Dec-2024, DOI: 10.24105/ejbi.2024. 20(4): 288-289

This open-access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (CC BY-NC) (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits reuse, distribution and reproduction of the article, provided that the original work is properly cited and the reuse is restricted to noncommercial purposes. For commercial reuse, contact submissions@ejbi.org

European Journal of Biomedical Informatics

Abstract

  

Introduction

Blockchain technology, initially popularized through cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, has since found applications across a range of industries, including healthcare and biomedical informatics [1]. One of its most promising applications lies in the enhancement of data security and interoperability, two critical concerns in the biomedical field. As healthcare organizations continue to digitize patient information and rely more heavily on electronic health records (EHRs), the integration of blockchain technology can significantly address the challenges of securing sensitive data and improving the seamless exchange of information [2].

One of the foremost challenges in biomedical informatics is maintaining the security and privacy of sensitive patient data. The healthcare sector is a prime target for cyberattacks, with personal health information being a valuable commodity for malicious actors. Blockchain technology offers a robust solution to these issues [3]. By using a decentralized, distributed ledger system, blockchain ensures that no single entity controls the data, making it more difficult for hackers to manipulate or breach the system. Each piece of data, or “block,” is encrypted and linked to the previous one, creating an immutable chain that cannot be altered once it is recorded [4].

Additionally, blockchain's use of cryptographic techniques ensures that sensitive medical information, such as patient health records, is accessible only to authorized individuals or entities. Public and private keys are used for secure authentication, and only those with the correct private key can access the data. This system reduces the risk of unauthorized access or data tampering, significantly enhancing data security [5].

In healthcare, where patient privacy is paramount, blockchain can provide a transparent, secure, and auditable record of access to sensitive information [6]. This is particularly important in ensuring compliance with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which mandates strict rules on the handling of medical data. Blockchain's decentralized nature ensures that data storage and access logs are tamper-proof, thus helping healthcare providers maintain a secure and compliant system [7].

Interoperability—the ability for different systems to exchange and interpret data—is another pressing issue in biomedical informatics. Healthcare organizations often use diverse and siloed information systems that lack compatibility, making it difficult to share patient data between hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and other entities. This lack of interoperability can lead to inefficiencies, delayed diagnoses, and even medical errors, as relevant patient information may not be readily available when needed [8].

Blockchain addresses this problem by providing a universal, standardized platform for data exchange. Once a patient's data is recorded on the blockchain, it can be securely shared with other healthcare providers or organizations, ensuring that the information is consistent, accurate, and accessible in real-time. Blockchain's distributed ledger system ensures that all parties have access to the same version of the data, eliminating discrepancies and reducing the chances of errors [9].

Moreover, the transparency and immutability of blockchain allow healthcare providers to verify the authenticity of medical records without needing to rely on a central authority. This can streamline processes such as insurance claims, medical research, and clinical trials, where accurate and trustworthy data exchange is crucial.

Blockchain can also enhance patient-centered care by giving patients more control over their own health information. Through blockchain-enabled applications, patients can grant and revoke access to their medical records, enabling them to share their data selectively with healthcare providers, researchers, or other stakeholders as needed [10].

Conclusion

Blockchain technology has the potential to transform biomedical informatics by addressing two critical challenges: data security and interoperability. Its decentralized, secure, and transparent nature makes it an ideal solution for safeguarding sensitive patient data while enabling seamless data sharing across healthcare systems. As the adoption of blockchain in healthcare continues to grow, it may pave the way for more efficient, patient-centric, and secure biomedical informatics systems. Ultimately, blockchain could improve the overall quality of care, streamline operations, and foster greater collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.

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