Patient Perceptions of Blockchain-Based Health Information Exchange: User-Centered Design Study

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Blockchain Technology
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Blockchain-based health information exchange (HIE) offers enhanced data security and efficiency in healthcare.
• Understanding patient perceptions is crucial for implementing blockchain HIE effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient perceptions of a blockchain-based HIE mobile app.
• To inform the iterative development of the HIE app.

Main Methods:

• A 3-phase, mixed-methods, user-centered design approach was employed.
• Methods included questionnaires, semistructured interviews, and a survey using established models.
• The study involved cancer patients undergoing treatment at a German university hospital.

Main Results:

• Patients showed high intention to use blockchain HIE functions for data access control.
• Key functionalities like provider connection and document sharing were rated useful and easy to use.
• System Usability Scale improved to 77.34, indicating good usability; perceived usefulness linked to data sharing speed and access control.

Conclusions:

• Patients are inclined to use blockchain HIE for empowered health data management and access control.
• App development should prioritize easy provider connections, data overview, and selective document sharing.
• User-centered design and addressing factors like intuitiveness and design are key for adoption.