Health information of users in a healthcare network

Glossary

Term DefinitionsBlockchain networkA distributed database that maintains a growing list of transaction records (called blocks) that are linked by cryptographic means and secured using encryption.Smart contractA piece of code stored on a blockchain that automatically executes when predefined conditions are met.Health Information Exchange (HIE)An electronic way to exchange health information between healthcare providers.PTOYNetA blockchain-based healthcare data exchange platform.EthereumAn open-source, blockchain-based, distributed computing platform and operating system with smart contract capabilities.ProviderAn entity, such as a doctor, hospital, or insurance company, that accesses and uses health information stored in an HIE.UserA person whose health information is stored in an HIE.Access rightsA level of authority granted to a provider to access and use a user's health information.Contract databaseA database that stores the terms and conditions of contracts governed by smart contracts in an HIE.EncryptionThe process of converting information into a code that cannot be read unless a key is used to decrypt it.Symmetric encryptionA type of encryption that uses a single key for encryption and decryption.Asymmetric encryptionA type of encryption that uses two keys for encryption and decryption: a public key and a private key. Hybrid encryption A type of encryption that combines symmetric and asymmetric encryption to leverage the strengths of both approaches. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) A symmetric block cipher used to encrypt electronic data. Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) A public key cryptographic system widely used for secure data transmission. Medical Record Application An application where users interact with their HIE accounts and manage their health information. Provider Access Module A module in a medical record application that allows users to grant specific providers access to their health information. Research Access Module A module in a medical record application that allows users to share their health information with research organizations in exchange for compensation. Dynamic Contract Module A module that determines the fee for a provider to access a user's health information based on factors defined in a contract database. Payment Module A module that uses cryptocurrency to facilitate transactions between providers and HIEs.

Short Answer Question

Explain what the main advantages of using a blockchain network are in the context of healthcare data management.

Blockchain networks provide a decentralized and secure platform for storing and exchanging healthcare data, reducing the risk of security breaches and data leaks associated with traditional centralized systems. Its transparency and immutability also help to enhance trust and accountability among healthcare providers.

Describe the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption.

Symmetric encryption uses a single key for encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption, which uses a public-private key pair, uses a public key to encrypt data and a corresponding private key to decrypt it.

What is the role of hybrid encryption in protecting user health information?

Hybrid encryption combines the speed and efficiency of symmetric encryption with the enhanced security of asymmetric encryption. It allows large amounts of data to be quickly encrypted using a symmetric key, which itself is encrypted using a public key, ensuring that only those with the corresponding private key can decrypt the data.

What is the difference between the core service component and the RPC component in an HIE server?

The core service component handles the main functions within the HIE server, such as user authentication and data management. In contrast, the RPC component acts as an interface between the HIE server and external systems, such as the hospital computing network, facilitating secure communication and data exchange between them.

How do smart contracts facilitate data access and payment between users and healthcare providers?

Smart contracts automatically enforce the terms and conditions agreed upon between users and providers. When a provider requests access to a user's data, the smart contract verifies their authorization, determines the cost of access, and facilitates secure payment using cryptocurrency once the conditions agreed upon by all parties are met.

Explain the function of the Record Access Module in the HIE system.

The Record Access Module grants providers access to user data, ensuring compliance with rates and permission levels defined in smart contracts. It acts as a gateway between providers and the blockchain network that stores the user's health information.

How does the Dynamic Contract Module determine the contracted rates for provider access to user data?

The Dynamic Contract Module considers factors related to the data request, such as the sensitivity, value, and volume of the data. It also references the predefined terms and conditions maintained in the contract database and any applicable offsets to calculate the rate.

How do users manage access to their health information using the Provider Access Module?

The Provider Access Module allows users to grant specific providers access to their health information. Users can view and modify the list of linked providers, specify their access levels, and revoke access as needed, ensuring granular control over data sharing.

What is the purpose of the Research Access Module?

The Research Access Module enables users to share their health information with research organizations in exchange for compensation. It establishes a secure and transparent platform between users and researchers seeking specific datasets, allowing users to control their data sharing and potentially be rewarded for their contributions.

Briefly outline the role of the Payment Module in the HIE system.

The payment module uses cryptocurrency to process transactions between providers and the HIE system. It ensures that funds are securely transferred before providers access user data, while maintaining a transparent and auditable record of all transactions in the blockchain network.