Document Type : Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors
1
Department of Ophthalmology, Farabi Hossein Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2
Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
3
Department of Ophthalmology, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4
Student Research Committee, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
5
Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
6
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
7
Department of Health Management, Policy, and Economics, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
8
Department of Plastic Surgery, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran.
9
Department of General Surgery, Hazrat-e Rasool General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
10
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran.
11
Department of Radiology, Shahid Rahnamoun Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
12
Mother and Newborn Health Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Abstract
This review examines the potential of blockchain technology to improve cancer treatment infrastructure by addressing inefficiencies in current IT systems. It suggests that blockchain can resolve interoperability issues, enhance data quality, and improve communication among healthcare stakeholders. By utilizing blockchain’s decentralization, transparency, and security features, a blockchain-based Electronic Health Record (EHR) system can enable real-time data sharing, improve patient care coordination, and build trust within the cancer care continuum. The review also discusses the scalability of blockchain solutions, which is essential for accommodating various healthcare providers, facilitating seamless information exchange, and ensuring continuity of care. Additionally, it highlights blockchain’s ability to bolster clinical research by providing a secure, immutable ledger for data collection, potentially speeding up the approval of new therapies. Ethical considerations related to patient consent and data ownership are addressed, emphasizing the importance of empowering patients to control their health information. Furthermore, blockchain integration can streamline billing and insurance processes, alleviating administrative burdens on healthcare providers. Ultimately, the review emphasizes that incorporating blockchain technology into cancer treatment infrastructure is vital for creating a more efficient, integrated, and patient-centered healthcare system, addressing current challenges in cancer care while promoting collaboration, enhancing data integrity, and empowering patients.
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