Researchers from UC San Francisco proposed using a blockchain-powered system to share medical data, according to Chain Bits.
Five insights:
1. The blockchain-powered system is designed to improve traceability while also enhancing the immutability of collected clinical data. Researchers believe data gathered will be more trustworthy with use of the technology.
2. While testing the system, researchers launched a web-based portal. The portal was accessible to all participants and features a clinical trial dataset. Patients and clinical investigators can interact through the portal.
3. Researchers were also searching for ways to test malicious attacks at data integrity. The blockchain-based platform is intended to prevent these types of attacks.
4. Through the blockchain, UCSF researchers are confident the medical data would be easily duplicated and distributed. The blockchain would act as a data warehouse, ensuring regulators of no difficulties managing the data.
5. Patients also have access to modify the data. By submitting a new transaction, patients can correct past data or input new data while simultaneously updating providers through the blockchain. The transaction can be done without needing to overwrite the incorrect or past data.