Blockchain in Public Health for Disease Surveillance Management
Globally, blockchain technology is being used to encourage consumer centred health care and facilitate remote healthcare management. Some inimitable features that render this technology a best catalyst in healthcare include its ability to validate transaction processes, prevention of system failure from any single point of transaction and approval of data sharing with optimal security. In many countries, hospitals are already using blockchain in electronic medical record systems, while health professionals are leveraging the approval of data sharing as a best method for peer consultations with patient engagement.
In the current context, Blockchain has the potential to strengthen disease surveillance systems during outbreaks resulting in health emergencies. It enables classifying health security concerns, analyse preclusion methods, facilitates rapid and impactful decision making. This potential to strengthen health systems and reduce the global burden of disease, mortality and morbidity is being researched across nations. This presentation takes on a world-view and such initiatives in blockchain are presented using real-time use cases and current research outcomes.