Ethereum Blockchain and Inter-Planetary File System (IPFS) based Application Model to Record and Share Patient Health Information: An Exemplary Case Study for e-Health Education in Nepal

Abstract

In the last decade patient management systems or eHealth has gained huge attraction with researchers. eHealth spans from the remote access of medical records to actual data exchange of remote patient's data of their body sensors. In this paper we propose a decentralized application model that uses Ethereum private Blockchain, Inter-Planetary File System (IPFS), and associated web technologies that aim to help healthcare providers, policymakers, and research organizations in Nepal. It presents the outcome of a survey conducted among the general public and a focus group discussion with medical doctors in relation to their current practices and limitations in storing and sharing patients' medical histories for examinations or treatments. The paper concludes with why blockchain technologies can be a better option for public and private healthcare institutions as well as medical practitioners to store and share patient records to deliver timely and quality healthcare services in a resource-poor country like Nepal.