Custom currency transaction system of blockchain

Healthcare Security and Interoperability with Blockchain

Short Answer Questions

What is blockchain? How does it promote data integrity?

What are the shortcomings of traditional healthcare information systems in terms of security and interoperability?

What does the term “multidimensional blockchain” refer to in this patent application?

What are the “sub-blocks” in a multidimensional blockchain? What is their role?

What role do “smart contracts” play in a blockchain-based healthcare system?

What information can be included in an electronic health record (EHR)?

What information can be included in a drug information record (DIR)?

What information can be included in a health transaction record (HTR)?

How does automated outcome-based contract fulfillment work in a blockchain-based healthcare system?

How can machine learning be leveraged in a blockchain-based healthcare system?

Answers

A blockchain is a continuously growing list of records, also called “chunks” or “blocks,” where blocks are linked using cryptographic techniques. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. Blockchain promotes data integrity by ensuring that any change to data in the blockchain results in an inconsistency in one or more hash references.

Traditional healthcare information systems often suffer from information silos, increased system complexity, and a lack of a consistent view of data between all relevant entities. These deficiencies can lead to poor interoperability, high management costs, and potential errors.

A “multidimensional blockchain” refers to a series of multidimensional records (also called multidimensional blocks), each of which contains two or more data records. Each data record can form a block in a different blockchain related to a specific entity.

A subblock is a portion of a data record or block that can be decrypted by one or more specific entities other than the owner of the data record. They allow specific information to be shared between authorized entities while complying with privacy regulations and business guidelines.

Smart contracts refer to program codes associated with blockchains that encode rules and agreements between entities regarding data sharing, transactions, and contract performance, etc. They promote automation and trust in blockchain-based healthcare systems.

EHRs can contain comprehensive information about patients, including basic information (name, date of birth, blood type), family history, diagnosis, treatment codes, prescriptions, drug allergies, and immunizations.

DIRs typically include information about drugs, such as their formulation, price, efficacy, safety, route of administration, mechanism of action, and side effects. It can also specify the approved uses of a specific drug.

HTR stores detailed information related to patient healthcare transactions, including patient identity, diagnosis, treatment codes, prescription drugs, procedure codes, and various costs associated with the transaction (payer costs, drug costs, healthcare provider costs, and patient costs).

In a blockchain-based healthcare system, outcome-based contract performance can be automatically triggered when predefined conditions encoded in smart contracts are met. For example, payments can be automatically made when the multidimensional blockchain confirms that the expected health outcome is achieved.

Machine learning can be applied to data in multidimensional blockchains to gain insights on drug effectiveness, identify potential risk factors, and improve treatment strategies. The availability of data relevance in multidimensional blockchains facilitates machine learning applications based on real data.

Paper Title

Discuss how multidimensional blockchains can address security and interoperability challenges inherent in traditional healthcare information systems.

Explain the role of smart contracts in promoting trust, transparency, and automation in blockchain-based healthcare systems.

Analyze how blockchain-based healthcare systems can revolutionize the healthcare industry by enabling outcome-based contracts and streamlining payment processes.

Evaluate the privacy and security implications of using multidimensional blockchains to store and share patient data and propose strategies to mitigate these risks.

Explores how blockchain-based healthcare systems can facilitate the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes and health.

Glossary of Key Terms

Term Definitions Blockchain A distributed and immutable ledger that is linked and secured using cryptography. Multidimensional blockchain A blockchain structure in which each block contains data from multiple sources (dimensions), providing a holistic view of transactions. Subblock A portion of a multidimensional block that can be selectively decrypted by authorized entities to facilitate privacy-preserving data sharing. Smart contract A self-executing code on a blockchain that automatically executes and enforces the terms of an agreement. Electronic Health Record (EHR) A digitized version of a patient's health information, including medical history, diagnosis, and treatment. Drug Information Record (DIR) A database containing comprehensive data about a drug, such as formulation, price, and approved uses. Health Transaction Record (HTR) A record of the details of a patient's healthcare transaction, including services provided and related financial information. Outcome-Based Contracting A payment model in which payments are made when predefined health outcomes are achieved. Machine Learning A type of artificial intelligence that enables computer systems to learn from data and improve their performance without being explicitly programmed. Real-world data (RWE) is real patient health data collected from sources such as electronic health records, insurance claims, and wearable devices.