Patient Information Management on the Blockchain

Glossary of Key Terms

Blockchain: A decentralized, immutable ledger of transactions, secured using cryptography and shared across a network of computers.

Smart Contract: A computer program stored on a blockchain and executed automatically to establish agreements between parties.

Cryptographic Hash: A one-way function that converts input data of arbitrary length into an alphanumeric string of fixed length.

Biometric Data: Unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition, iris/retina scans, and DNA, used to identify and verify identity.

Protected Health Information (PHI): Any personally identifiable information identified under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that relates to an individual’s health, provision of health care, or payment for health care.

Biometric Digital Score (BNS): A digital representation generated from biometric data used for comparison and verification without storing the actual biometric data itself.

PHI Digital Score: A digital representation generated from PHI used for comparison and verification without storing the actual PHI itself.

Encrypted Patient Credentials: Patient credentials (e.g., username, password) that have been encrypted using cryptographic techniques to protect their confidentiality.

Master Cryptographic Hash: A combined hash value generated using the BNS, PHI Digital Score, and encrypted patient credentials that is used as a key to verify the patient's identity.

Verification Iteration: A step-by-step verification process that involves comparing the information provided by the patient to the information stored on the blockchain network, starting with the PHI and then incrementally adding biometric data as necessary.

Quiz

How is biometric data used in the patient verification process?

What is the main difference between the PHI Digital Score and the Biometric Digital Score?

What role does encryption play in protecting patient information?

What is the purpose of the master cryptographic hash?

Describe the concept of verification iteration and how it works.

What are the benefits of smart contracts in managing patient information on a blockchain network?

What are two potential advantages of a blockchain-based patient information system over a traditional server-based system?

How do blockchain-based systems facilitate the secure sharing of patient PHI?

What are some examples of different levels of authentication used in the verification iteration process?

How are tokens used in a blockchain-based healthcare ecosystem?

Answer Key

Biometric data verifies patient identity by providing a unique biometric marker. This data is processed to create a biometric digital score, which is then compared to the score stored on the blockchain for verification.

The PHI digital score is derived from the patient’s protected health information, while the biometric digital score is derived from the patient’s biometric data. These scores allow for comparison and verification without exposing the actual sensitive data.

Encryption ensures that patient information is protected by converting the information into an unreadable format unless decrypted with the appropriate key. This process prevents unauthorized access and data breaches.

The master cryptographic hash acts as a unique key to verify the patient’s identity. It is created by combining the biometric and PHI digital scores along with the encrypted patient credentials, creating a single value for verification purposes.

Verification iteration is a step-by-step verification process that is used if the initial PHI verification fails. It starts with the use of PHI and, if needed, gradually and selectively incorporates biometric data until verification is achieved or all identification methods have been exhausted.

Smart contracts manage patient information on the blockchain by automating and enforcing predefined rules. This feature ensures data integrity, transparency, and trust as it eliminates the need for middlemen and all transactions are permanently recorded.

Blockchain-based systems offer enhanced security, decentralization, and transparency. The nature of blockchain makes it tamper-resistant, while its decentralized structure eliminates single points of failure.

Blockchain-based systems allow for selective and secure sharing of patient PHI through the use of tokens and smart contracts. Patients can control who has access to their data and what data can be accessed.

Authentication iterations can use various levels of authentication, starting with basic PHI verification (e.g., name, date of birth, SSN) and then using biometric matching (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scan) when necessary.

Tokens can represent access rights and permissions in a blockchain-based healthcare ecosystem. They can facilitate secure exchange and controlled access by patients to their healthcare data.

Essay Questions

Discuss the ethical implications of using blockchain technology to manage patient information. Consider patient privacy, data ownership, and potential risks.

Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of a blockchain-based patient information system compared to traditional healthcare databases. Focus on security, accessibility, interoperability, and cost.

Explore potential use cases for integrating blockchain technology into the healthcare industry. In addition to patient information management, areas such as drug supply chain management, healthcare record sharing, and healthcare research should also be considered.

Validate that the iterative process aims to strike a balance between security and convenience. Assess its effectiveness in maintaining patient privacy while providing efficient access to authorized users. Recommend any improvements to this process.

As blockchain technology continues to evolve, speculate on its future impact on the healthcare industry. Consider its potential impact on patient empowerment, health data management, and interoperability of global healthcare systems.