EHR Blockchain System Prototype

1. Project Overview:

   • This prototype is a secure and efficient Electronic Health Records (EHR) System utilizing blockchain technology, designed to enhance data privacy, security, accessibility, auditability, and traceability in healthcare.

2. Key Features:

   • Decentralized Data Management:
     • EHR data is distributed across a blockchain network, eliminating single points of failure.
   • Patient-Centric Access:
     • Patients retain control over their medical records and can grant/revoke access as needed.
   • Auditability and Traceability:
     • Immutable logs of all access and changes, ensuring full transparency and compliance with regulations.
   • Dedicated Auditor Role:
     • Introduces an auditor role to oversee and verify compliance, access, and usage of the EHR system.

3. Workflow Process:

   • Step 1: Data Entry:
     • Healthcare providers upload patient records to the blockchain after verification through smart contracts.
   • Step 2: Data Encryption:
     • Records are encrypted and distributed securely across the blockchain network.
   • Step 3: Access Control:
     • Patients use private keys to grant or revoke access to healthcare providers.
   • Step 4: Auditor Role:
     • Auditors access immutable logs to ensure that all activities comply with system policies and regulatory standards.
   • Step 5: Audit and Compliance Reporting:
     • Auditors generate detailed reports on system usage, identifying any unauthorized or suspicious activities.
   • Step 6: Data Sharing:
     • Authorized providers retrieve necessary information, with all actions tracked and recorded.

4. Technical Components:

   • Blockchain Platform:
     • Ethereum or a private blockchain network enables data decentralization and secure smart contracts.
   • Smart Contracts:
     • Automate data access, updates, and compliance checks.
   • Audit Logs:
     • Immutable logs record every action on the system, accessible to the auditor role for transparency and accountability.
   • Encryption:
     • Ensures that sensitive patient data is only accessible by authorized parties.

5. Prototype Goals:

   • Data Privacy and Security:
     • Demonstrate secure handling of sensitive data using blockchain encryption and access control.
   • Auditability:
     • Prove that all system interactions are traceable and compliant with healthcare standards.
   • Role-Based Access:
     • Integrate the auditor role to strengthen system oversight and ensure ethical practices.
   • Scalability:
     • Test the prototype’s capacity to handle growing data volumes and multiple actors efficiently.

6. University Dissertation Scope:

   • The project evaluates the applicability of blockchain for healthcare EHR systems, focusing on security, auditability, and traceability.
   • It includes research on healthcare data compliance, technical challenges, and the role of blockchain in achieving regulatory standards.