Here are the five most-read blockchain stories reported by Becker's Hospital Review during 2018, beginning with the most popular:
1. Almost half of physicians 'aren't aware' of what blockchain is
Despite recent buzz about blockchain's potential to improve healthcare, a survey by SERMO found almost half of physicians aren't aware of the technology.
2. Walmart patent proposes storing patient records on the blockchain
Walmart patented a system that stores patient medical records on the blockchain and within a wearable device, so that first responders can access patient data in emergency situations.
3. 20% of healthcare organizations to use blockchain by 2020
Healthcare organizations may soon follow in the footsteps of the financial services and shipping industries by deploying large-scale blockchain projects, according to an IDC Health Insights report.
4. Vanderbilt develops blockchain tech for medical record sharing
A team of engineers from Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University developed a method of sharing medical records between healthcare organizations using blockchain.
5. Aetna, Ascension join blockchain pilot project to address provider data issues
Aetna and St. Louis-based Ascension joined a blockchain-driven effort to improve data quality and reduce administrative costs related to updating and maintaining provider demographic data.