Over the past 50 years, although categorized as the "Information Age" or "Digital Age," the vast amounts of digitized data have been sorely underutilized. Only recently, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts have accelerated to harness these data using blockchain technology as it pertains to healthcare. Today, through the blockchain infrastructure and its tokenization applications, we are able to leverage healthcare data effectively into more efficient business processes. In addition, we can secure better patient engagement and outcomes, while generating new revenue streams for an array of healthcare stakeholders. It is in the application of blockchain technology to compile these stockpiled data into new, compliant business models that we can reap the full potential of the blockchain. Here are predictions by members of the BHTY editorial board members on how we might further advance the role of blockchain in healthcare in 2023.
A method for managing, securing, and validating health data distribution records using a genetic-based hashing algorithm in a decentralized environment is presented in this research report. The rationale for choosing blockchain is to secure the transaction of health data and protect these data from manipulated fraudulent movement and corruption by a contributor to the chain, or any individual. Our approach uses technology that provides an efficient surveillance measure, including transparency of records, immunity from fraud, and protection from tampering, as well as sustaining the order of data. For medical research, the results here provide a genetic-based hashing algorithm for data security, which has lower computational complexity, low space coverage, higher security and integrity, and a high avalanche effect. The simulation will show the validity, immunity, and integrity of the data record. The technique modified in this secure decentralized network is a cryptographic hashing algorithm for 512 bits. In this study, a genetic algorithm (GA) is used to generate a key that must be used in the encryption and decryption of medical data. A GA is a metaheuristic approach inspired by the laws of genetics; and it is generally used to generate high-quality solutions for complex problems. Applications of GAs are possible in medical fields, such as radiology, oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, surgery, oncology, and radiotherapy in healthcare management.