Health on the Blockchain: How Healthcare Organizations are Increasing CyberSecurity
Hospitals are falling victim to data breaches every year. These security attacks can cost millions and can damage relationships between patients and providers for years after the initial breach.To solve these problems, many healthcare organizations are making the switch from old security software to new security on the blockchain. This increases the security of patient data and has many applications within the medical field.
The most direct application of blockchain in the medical field is the use of wearable monitoring devices. Devices can monitor things as basic as blood pressure and pulse, or more complicated things like epileptic seizures, narcolepsy, and diabetes. The information that is gathered with blockchain-powered devices is stored in a patient hub that contains all an individuals health records in secure fragmented systems. Providers can view this information in real time which allows for them to deliver personalized care efficiently to each patient.
The patient hub is utilized by many providers due to the way that information is stored and easily accessible. The patient hub keeps all patient data up to date, which makes first responders more prepared for how to react when arriving at the scene of a medical emergency. Data collections and analyses are also made much simpler since all patient data is stored in one space in their patient hub, and providers can use this data to see different patterns within their organizations.
Blockchain applications can also assist in private messaging between providers and patients. With the pandemic’s stay at home orders, many providers began offering telehealth services so patients could receive care from the comfort of their own home. The problem with telehealth is that patients are providing information remotely, and this data can be compromised by third parties without the patient or provider’s knowledge. This can lead to data breaches and even identity theft of patients. With blockchain, messages are kept secure and providers are able to communicate with their patients knowing that all information will be safely stored.
Speaking to the pandemic, blockchain was utilized in order to keep up with changing trends within the spread of the virus. The same up to date software that is used to keep patient information updated was used to track new cases and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. This data was useful to providers to ensure they were keeping enough space to take incoming patients as well as keep themselves and their patients safe in a time of uncertainty.
With the many benefits of blockchain in the healthcare industry, healthcare organizations across the country are beginning to incorporate it in their everyday routines. These applications make the exchange of data smoother, communication more secure, and overall business run more efficiently. Healthcare is changing, with telehealth on the rise there is more information being entered remotely which leaves patients vulnerable to their information being compromised. Patient privacy has always been prioritized by providers, and now it is time to start protecting their data privacy as well. With data breaches on the rise, the transition to healthcare on the block chain is a necessity. Learn more about blockchain applications in the infographic below:
