Blockchain applications in the healthcare industry are diverse and promising, as they can address some of the key challenges and opportunities in the sector, such as data security, data interoperability, data transparency, supply chain management, and credential verification. Here is a brief overview of some of the main blockchain applications in the healthcare industry:

- **Data security**: Blockchain can enhance the security and privacy of healthcare data, as it can enable the encryption, decentralization, and immutability of data, as well as the selective disclosure and consent of data owners. This can prevent unauthorized access, leakage, or tampering of data, as well as protect the data from cyberattacks or human errors. For example, Akiri¹ is a network-as-a-service platform that uses blockchain to securely transport and share healthcare data across different stakeholders.

- **Data interoperability**: Blockchain can enhance the interoperability and accessibility of healthcare data, as it can enable the standardization, integration, and sharing of data across different platforms, systems, and organizations. This can improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare services, as well as empower the patients and providers to access and control their own data. For example, Medicalchain² is a platform that uses blockchain to create a single, secure, and universal health record for patients, which can be accessed and updated by authorized healthcare providers.

- **Data transparency**: Blockchain can enhance the transparency and accountability of healthcare data, as it can enable the verification, validation, and auditability of data, as well as the traceability and provenance of data sources and transactions. This can improve the trust and reliability of healthcare data, as well as enable the evaluation and improvement of healthcare outcomes and performance. For example, Embleema³ is a platform that uses blockchain to create a decentralized network of real-world health data, which can be used for clinical research and drug development.

- **Supply chain management**: Blockchain can enhance the management and optimization of the healthcare supply chain, as it can enable the tracking, monitoring, and verification of the movement and condition of medical products and devices, from the manufacturer to the end-user. This can improve the safety and quality of healthcare products and devices, as well as reduce the costs and risks of counterfeit, fraud, or waste. For example, Chronicled⁴ is a platform that uses blockchain to create a secure and transparent network of medical supply chain partners, which can ensure the compliance and integrity of medical products and devices.

- **Credential verification**: Blockchain can enhance the verification and validation of the credentials and qualifications of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or pharmacists. This can improve the credibility and reputation of healthcare professionals, as well as reduce the time and effort of credential verification processes. For example, ProCredEx⁵ is a platform that uses blockchain to create a decentralized and peer-to-peer network of healthcare credential data, which can facilitate the exchange and recognition of credentials among healthcare organizations.

These are some of the examples of how blockchain can be applied in the healthcare industry, but there are many more potential applications and benefits that can be explored and realized. If you want to learn more about blockchain applications in the healthcare industry, you can check out some of the following resources:

- [Blockchain technology in healthcare: A systematic review](^6^) by Huma Saeed et al., a comprehensive and academic overview of blockchain and its applications, opportunities, and challenges in the healthcare sector.

- [Blockchain in Healthcare: 17 Examples to Know] by Sam Daley, an article that provides a summary and description of 17 blockchain healthcare companies and their solutions.

- [Blockchain Applications in the Healthcare Sector] by the European Commission, a report that provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities of blockchain in the healthcare sector, as well as some case studies and recommendations.

- [Blockchain in Healthcare Market] by Roots Analysis, a market research report that provides insights into the size, growth, trends, and segments of the blockchain in healthcare market.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/19/2024

(1) Blockchain technology in healthcare: A systematic review. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0266462.

(2) Blockchain in Healthcare: 17 Examples to Know | Built In. https://builtin.com/blockchain/blockchain-healthcare-applications-companies.

(3) Blockchain Applications in the Healthcare Sector. https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/blockchain-applications-healthcare-sector.

(4) Blockchain in Healthcare Market - Roots Analysis. https://www.rootsanalysis.com/reports/blockchain-technology-in-healthcare-market.html.

(5) Blockchain and Healthcare: A Critical Analysis of Progress and ... - MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2813-5288/1/2/6.

(6) undefined. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266462.