Mapping Blockchain Technology Prospects and Solutions in the Healthcare Industry for Pandemic Crises

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Throughout history, pandemics have extensively impacted humans’ lives in many different ways. For instance, the most recent pandemic which has caught worldwide attention is the global outbreak of COIVD-19, which has left almost everyone affected in 2020.

Despite the World Health Organisation (WHO), governments and supporting health agencies and non-profit organisations’ widespread efforts to identify, control and manage pandemics, it appears that pandemics are increasing in frequency, and using measures to prevent or overcome them has become challenging and overwhelming. Overall, the ‘pandemic-influenced’ daily life has left scientists, practitioners and politicians no choice other than finding solutions to support societies to live the ‘new normal’ in a more thriving way and be well-prepared for the ‘future ad hoc’ alike health-related crises.

One of the most recent promising discoveries and creative developments that seems to be playing a vital role in everyone’s daily life is ‘Blockchain Technology’. In recent years, Blockchain has received increased interests and has moved beyond Finance and its emergence is revolutionising many industries in various ways. For instance, Blockchain has been actively researched and used for multiple purposes such as monitoring supply chains, managing retail loyalty rewards programs, certifying digital credentials, and etc.

Blockchain can be compared to a General Purpose Technology (GPT) as it is pervasive and can be adopted by most sectors and industries. Like other GPTs, Blockchain possesses the capability of revamping global healthcare systems such as improving and developing the invention and production of the current and new healthcare-related products/services and processes. Such Blockchain-related attributes can boost hope and confidence in societies and support inventors, entrepreneurs, practitioners, and leaders with their daily healthcare-focused responsibilities and decision-making activities within and outside country borders.

While Blockchain has positively disrupted many of the past and current healthcare-related practices, still it’s essential to gain an in-depth understanding of Blockchain Technology’s intriguing further opportunities and open challenges. Such comprehensive knowledge can enhance the development and utilization of further promising healthcare products/services and processes within societies.

Overall, this chapter will support the scholars, decision-makers, and practitioners to gain an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the Blockchain Technology prospects and solutions for the healthcare industry in general and pandemic-related crises in particular.

SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED OBJECTIVES COVERED IN THE CHAPTER:
This chapter initially describes the nexus between technology and healthcare systems. Furthermore, it unravels the role of Blockchain technology and its applications within the healthcare industry and specifically during pandemic crises. Moreover, this chapter provides a detailed analysis of various theoretical and practical challenges of Blockchain technology within the healthcare industry. Also, it discusses Blockchain-supported opportunities for the improvement and development of the current and potential healthcare-related products/services. Besides, this chapter explores Blockchain-mediated opportunities for the progress and development of the current and potential healthcare-related processes. And finally, this chapter concludes the discussion with mapping Blockchain technology prospects and solutions in the healthcare industry.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHealthcare Technology Solutions for Pandemics - A Roadmap
EditorsDr Sasan Adibi, Professor Abbas Rajabifard, Dr Shariful Islam, Dr Alireza Ahmadvand
Place of PublicationLondon, UK
PublisherSpringer Nature
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2021

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