Blockchain and the Protection of Patient Information: Using Blockchain to Protect the Information of Patients in Line with HIPAA (Work-in-Progress)

Abstract

The effect of Blockchain on the protection of patient information can serve as a way for hospitals and other medical facilities to secure patient records. With more threats targeting hospitals and other medical facilities, it is becoming more important for these organizations to improve the information systems that are charged with protecting their patient records. HIPPA regulations are in place to try and protect patient records and information but the hospitals do not allocate enough funds to information systems so they are put at risk of attack. Blockchain can offer the type of protection that these medical facilities need without them having to worry about upgrading the technology every year. The blockchain is not without its faults, and that can be seen in the attacks that take place against Bitcoin. Even with these attacks, the use of Blockchain would be beneficial to the hospitals and medical facilities.