Identifying and Ranking the Uses of Blockchain Technology in Healthcare

Abstract

Introduction: Blockchain can be defined as a distributed and immutable digital ledger that provides data transparency and user privacy. According to the applications of blockchain, conducting of each application needs planning and cost management. This study endeavored to identify and rank the uses of blockchain technology in healthcare. Methods: This descriptive study was done in the winter semester of the academic year of 2020. In the first phase, the uses of blockchain technology in healthcare were recognized from library resources using qualitative content analysis. In the next phase, these uses were prioritized by a panel of experts with 17 members. Then, we used fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method for ranking the uses of blockchain in healthcare. Results: Electronic health records (0.43), smart contracts (0.21), internet of things infrastructure (0.15), information security and privacy (0.08), administrative management (0.06), and electronic voting (0.04) were the important applications of blockchain technology in healthcare. Conclusion: Finding of this study show that blockchain technology has important applications in healthcare electronic health records and smart contracts. Therefore, health system policymakers should provide the infrastructure for implementation of blockchain technology among medical and health organizations. This study can contribute to the research in the blockchain field, and enrich the literature on the application of this technology in healthcare.

Keywords

• electronic health records
• contracts
• internet of things