A Blockchain Network for Public Health Interoperability and Real-Time Data Sharing - Research Paper

Sep 11, 2026

Blockchain technology is positioned to reshape how healthcare data is stored and consumed, enabling individuals to manage their own health records independent of specific institutions. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) can be tracked using blockchain technology and smart contracts, giving patients greater control while allowing authorized access to data by hospitals and other organizations. The study presents an architecture for sharing EHRs across enterprises, simplifying processes to improve transparency, reduce transfer time, and lower overall costs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time7 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Problem of health data movement

Proposed approach with blockchain

Abstract

Patient control and authorized access

Architecture for enterprise data sharing

A Blockchain Network for Public Health Interoperability and Real-Time Data Sharing Ghadi Alwehaibi* *Corresponding author, Department of Information Technology, College of Computer, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. E-mail: [g.alwehaibi@outlook.com](g.alwehaibi@outlook.com) Rwaida Salem Department of Information Technology, College of Computer, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. E-mail: [rwaida.1265@gmail.com](rwaida.1265@gmail.com) Nahed Alrshidi Department of Information Technology, College of Computer, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi [Arabia. E-mail: nahed.alrshidii@gmail.com](Arabia. E-mail: nahed.alrshidii@gmail.com) Abeer Alghulayqah Department of Information Technology, College of Computer, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. E-mail: [amgliekh@qu.edu.sa](amgliekh@qu.edu.sa) Abstract In terms of storage and consumption, blockchain technology is poised to transform the way we manage healthcare data. The primary goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their health records, allowing them to become independent of the institutions or organizations they use. Elec-tronic Health Records (EHRs) can be tracked in a novel and unique way through blockchain tech-nology and smart contracts. This technology can give patients more control over their data. Health practitioners and institutions, such as hospitals, may be granted access to patient data controlled by other organizations. This research highlights how blockchain technology can be used to manage EHRs while improving operational efficiency through process simplification and transparency. Additionally, the study proposes an architecture for managing and sharing healthcare data across enterprises. The suggested approach could significantly reduce the time required to transfer patient data among various health organizations while lowering overall costs. Keywords: Blockchain, EHR, Smart Contract, Styling, Ethereum. | Journal of Information Technology Management, 2024, Vol. 16, Issue 4, pp. 18-37 | Received: June 12, 2024 | | --- | --- | | Published by the University of Tehran, College of Management | Received in revised form: July 25, 2024 | | doi: [https://doi.org/ 10.22059/jitm.2024.99049](https://doi.org/ 10.22059/jitm.2024.99049)
[Article Type: Research Paper](Article Type: Research Paper)
© Authors | Accepted: September 13, 2024
Published online: October 16, 2024
| Introduction The movement of health data and information from one institution to another is one of the most frequent issues faced by patients and clinicians. As a result, improving patient care has become a top priority to achieve high levels of patient satisfaction. Systemic changes are required to improve healthcare. Among the most advanced technologies available today is blockchain technology. Numerous applications, such as those in financial services, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), and network data management, have generated significant interest (Alajlan & Ibrahim, 2022) . Blockchain technology is employed in various areas, including clinical research, neuroscience technologies, genetics, medical supply chain management systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and pharmaceuticals. Blockchain provides a secure and practical option for storing and retrieving patient medical information, ensuring data is transmitted safely. Storing patient files in a system that unites all hospitals would save time when opening or creating files for patients visiting for the first time, enabling faster treatment. Additionally, this system would offer a detailed report on the patient ’s condition and medical history, facilitating more informed decisions about their care. Moreover, paper records are becoming obsolete, as they are difficult to manage, easy to lose, and can be altered by unauthorized individuals. This research aims to design and implement a computerized system to address these issues. People will use this system as a

FAQs

What problem does the research address in healthcare data sharing?

It addresses frequent issues when health data must move between institutions, where patients and clinicians face delays and difficulties accessing consistent records.

How does the proposed blockchain approach help patients and institutions?

It enables patients to control and share EHR information securely, while granting authorized hospitals or practitioners access when permitted or in emergencies.

What benefits are targeted for using blockchain to manage EHRs?

The study targets improved operational efficiency through process simplification and transparency, while reducing the time and cost of transferring patient data among healthcare organizations.

Sep 11, 2026

Uploaded by Caleb Sterling