Leveraging Blockchain Technology for Secure and Interoperable Health Information Exchange: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

The integration of blockchain technology into health information systems presents a promising avenue for enhancing security, transparency, and interoperability in healthcare data exchange. Traditional health information exchanges (HIEs) often face challenges related to data fragmentation, privacy breaches, and lack of standardized protocols, which can compromise patient safety and hinder efficient care delivery. Blockchain, with its decentralized ledger structure, cryptographic security, and immutable record-keeping, offers solutions to these challenges by enabling secure, auditable, and patient-controlled data sharing.

This article explores the potential applications of blockchain in facilitating interoperable health information exchange across multiple healthcare providers. It highlights opportunities such as improving data integrity, enabling real-time access to patient records, and supporting consent management through smart contracts. However, the implementation of blockchain in healthcare is accompanied by significant challenges, including scalability issues, high computational costs, regulatory uncertainty, and integration with existing electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Future research and practical deployment should focus on hybrid approaches that combine blockchain with traditional HIE frameworks, standardized interoperability protocols, and privacy-preserving techniques. By addressing these challenges, blockchain can significantly enhance secure data sharing, support informed clinical decision-making, and pave the way for more connected and patient-centered digital health ecosystems.