By using blockchain technology, researchers conducting clinical trials can improve transparency and produce better quality data, according to a study by Dr. Leeza Osipenko in The BMJ.
Blockchains use cryptography, which ensures multiple sets of the same data stored by different users are all identical. The decentralized nature of blockchain also allows transparency and further security.
When conducting clinical trials, researches can leverage smart contracts through a blockchain, which would replace many tasks when auditing. Smart contracts can also be coded to mandate that patient enrollment cannot begin before documents are loaded.
"There's more to this tamperproof technology than bitcoin," Dr. Osipenko wrote. "It could be used to improve the administration of clinical trials, ensuring transparency and yielding better quality data."
To access the complete study, click here.