Application of blockchain-based digital twin technology in healthcare: A scoping review

The integration of blockchain and digital twin (DT) technologies is expected to transform the healthcare sector. DTs are virtual representations of physical entities and allow for real-time monitoring of assets. Predictive analytics of equipment performance can also be supported. Data integrity, security, and trust can be strengthened by blockchain technology. However, the practical applicability and effectiveness of this combined approach in healthcare systems have not been fully established.

The aim of the present scoping review was to assess the practical applications and synergistic advantages of blockchain-based DT technology in healthcare, evaluate relevant implementation challenges, and provide a research agenda for future studies.

A scoping review was conducted. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, and OVID were searched systematically. Manual searches were also performed. Boolean operators and targeted keywords were used. Relevant studies were retrieved from database inception to May 20, 2025.

Narrative findings were categorized into three main domains: 1) Technical foundations and core mechanisms for integrating blockchain and DT technologies were described; (2) Application scenarios of blockchain-based DT technology in healthcare were summarized; and (3) Implementation challenges and corresponding solutions for blockchain-based DT technology in healthcare were identified.

The innovative integration of blockchain and DT technologies has advanced the healthcare sector by reshaping the management, interaction, and security of medical data in the digital environment. This convergence establishes a strategic foundation for ongoing digital transformation within healthcare. Future research should prioritize the translation of these developed systems into real-world clinical applications and focus on optimizing their performance to better elucidate how emerging technologies can effectively address practical healthcare challenges.