Blockchain in Healthcare: Innovations that Empower Patients, Connect Professionals and Improve Care

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing secure and transparent data storage and management. It can be used for medical payments, electronic health records, HIPAA/data privacy, drug counterfeiting, and credentialing of healthcare professionals. This book provides an introduction to blockchain and its applications in healthcare, with examples and use cases from early pioneers. It also discusses the complexities and possibilities of smart contracts and the integration of blockchain technology into other advanced healthcare trends and IT systems. The appendices provide additional details on how to get started, including resources and organizations focusing on blockchain and distributed ledger solutions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Blockchain technology is set to revolutionize various industries beyond payment and cryptocurrencies. The emergence of trusted data models enabled by blockchain has the potential to reshape healthcare, offering immense opportunities for meaningful applications. Early pioneers have already explored various use cases in medical payments, electronic health records, HIPAA/data privacy, drug counterfeiting, and credentialing of healthcare professionals. While we have only begun to scratch the surface in automating the complexities of today's healthcare systems and designing new systems focused on trust, transparency, and aligning incentives, the potential is vast.

In their book titled "Blockchain and Healthcare: Building Blocks for Transformation," Metcalf, Bass, Dhillon, and Hooper have compiled a collection of examples based on the fundamentals of blockchain. The book begins with a brief introduction to Bitcoin, blockchain, and the available protocols. It then provides a comprehensive getting-started guide tailored specifically to the healthcare and healthcare industry. The authors delve into the complexities and possibilities of smart contracts, discussing early consortia exploring their applications. Throughout the book, examples and use cases are presented, showcasing the potential for blockchain to scale at the industry level.

The book covers a wide range of advanced healthcare trends and IT systems, including telemedicine, artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, value-based payments, patient engagement solutions, big data solutions, medical tourism, and precision medicine/genetic therapies. Each section provides detailed insights into how blockchain can be integrated into these systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes.

The final section of the book offers a glimpse into the future of blockchain and healthcare. It explores the potential for blockchain to transform healthcare delivery, enhance patient privacy and security, and facilitate global healthcare collaboration. The authors also discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, including regulatory considerations, interoperability, and the need for collaboration among stakeholders.

In conclusion, "Blockchain and Healthcare: Building Blocks for Transformation" is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and enthusiasts seeking to understand the potential of blockchain technology in healthcare. The book provides a comprehensive and practical guide to leveraging blockchain for meaningful change in the industry, offering a roadmap for the future of healthcare delivery.

Weight: 1186g
Dimension: 182 x 257 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367031084