Blockchain Enabled Patient-Centred Care for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: 4 Principles for Socio-Techical and Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Digital Health
• Chronic Disease Management

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management is complex, requiring multidisciplinary care and comprehensive patient records.
• Current IBD care faces challenges due to fragmented patient information, hindering optimal treatment.
• Patient-centered care is gaining prominence, emphasizing patient involvement in their healthcare journey.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the risks and benefits of blockchain technology in improving IBD patient care.
• To explore the socio-technical and clinical considerations for blockchain implementation in IBD.
• To propose principles for using blockchain to enhance IBD patient care through collaborative design.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of risks and benefits associated with two blockchain approaches in IBD care.
• Exploration of socio-technical and clinical factors influencing blockchain adoption.
• Development of key principles via collaborative participatory design with patients, healthcare professionals, and health systems.

Main Results:

• Blockchain offers secure data transmission and can improve information delivery in IBD care.
• Patient-driven interoperability and care models are emerging as key applications of blockchain in healthcare.
• A collaborative design approach is crucial for successful blockchain integration in IBD.

Conclusions:

• Blockchain technology holds significant potential to revolutionize IBD patient care by enhancing data management and patient empowerment.
• Addressing socio-technical and clinical considerations is vital for effective blockchain implementation.
• Four key principles derived from collaborative design can guide the optimal use of blockchain in IBD.