Blockchain for Digital Health: Prospects and Challenges

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Biomedical Research
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Blockchain is an open distributed ledger system recording digital transactions.
• It holds transformative potential for healthcare, biomedical research, and economic activities.
• The intersection of blockchain and digital health presents unique opportunities and challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an expert review of blockchain technology in digital health.
• To define key concepts, explore prospects, and identify socio-technical challenges.
• To discuss next-generation technology policy for blockchain, informed by responsible innovation.

Main Methods:

• Expert review of existing literature and research.
• Analysis of blockchain's application in digital health.
• Exploration of responsible innovation principles for technology policy.

Main Results:

• Blockchain offers significant potential to transform digital health and biomedical research.
• Key challenges include socio-technical barriers and policy development.
• Responsible innovation is crucial for navigating blockchain's integration.

Conclusions:

• Blockchain technology presents a paradigm shift for digital health and biomedical research.
• Addressing socio-technical challenges and implementing forward-thinking policies are essential.
• Harnessing blockchain responsibly can lead to improved healthcare and research outcomes.