We have heard a lot about blockchain as the system of transaction logging and cryptocurrency balances. But the technology seems to be reaching new horizons. Medicine is also using the blockchain as a way to ensure the safety of data between physician and patient, clinical body and health plans, and other relationships within this environment.
This is because, nowadays, data on health are monitored from countless sources, such as wearables, genetic testing, exams, welfare applications, and the list goes on.
How does the blockchain work for medicine?
How can technology help medicine? The idea is that the platforms store a kind of unique medical record. Thus, the patient would have all his/her history of exams, illnesses and other information about his/her health in one place.
Currently, there are already a number of technologies that would allow this type of functionality. However, the blockchain technology has been arousing more interest from the medical community.
Company is a pioneer in the area
Some examples and initiatives are already beginning to appear. The British company Medicalchain acts with the concept “own your health”. It offers to patients the technology to store their medical history and make it available in any way they prefer.
Another company that has been innovating is the Slovenian Iryo, which also offers the technology for patients. The company highlights that it is possible to access information from anywhere in the world. With this, the blockchain makes travel and displacements safer for those who need recurring medical care.
There is also a practical example of the change that we will probably be witnessing very soon. The vaccination books we keep for our children or that are aging in the bottom drawer will no longer exist.
