"Blockchain-Enhanced Electronic Health Records: A Secure and Immutable Approach to EHR Management"

Authors

Mostafa Abdelwahed Eltabakh, Department of Electronics and Electrical Communications Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, EgyptFollow
Mohamed E. Nasr, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta UniversityFollow
Emad Abd-Elrahman, National Telecommunication InstituteFollow
Roayat Ismail Abdelfatah, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta UniversityFollow

Abstract

Traditional Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems face security risks, data misuse, and audit trail concerns. This paper proposes leveraging blockchain technology to improve EHRs, emphasizing Blockchain's potential to enhance data security, accessibility, and privacy through its encrypted and interconnected data block system, thereby addressing the core challenges of conventional EHR practices. This paper introduces a blockchain-based framework designed to consolidate and secure patient data within a singular record owned by the patient. Developed on the Ethereum network utilizing Ganache, this system employs programming languages and tools such as Solidity and web3.js. It leverages the blockchain platform for storing patient data and executing decentralized operations through smart contracts. Once activated, these smart contracts facilitate secure and private transactions, with the capability for verifying and disseminating desired modifications across the distributed network.

Additionally, the system incorporates a cryptocurrency wallet (MetaMask), which serves as a centrally managed, private information repository, enabling rapid access and secure management of records by authorized entities. Both doctors and patients can access the system via this wallet, ensuring simultaneous data availability to all users, thereby enhancing efficiency and credibility. Moreover, the system supports the secure exchange of medical records between patients and healthcare providers. This paper delineates a health record system that is both swift and secure, offering increased transparency and ownership over confidential data.

The research reveals that blockchain technology substantially improves data integrity and access control, while reduced latency compared to prior studies suggests enhanced operational efficiency in healthcare environments. These results highlight Blockchain's capability to revolutionize electronic health record management.

Recommended Citation

Eltabakh, Mostafa Abdelwahed; Nasr, Mohamed E.; Abd-Elrahman, Emad; and Abdelfatah, Roayat Ismail (2024) ""Blockchain-Enhanced Electronic Health Records: A Secure and Immutable Approach to EHR Management"," Journal of Engineering Research: Vol. 8: Iss. 3, Article 20.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/erjeng/vol8/iss3/20