Applying blockchain technology for vaccination in the context of COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Blockchain, one of these new digital technologies, has special qualities like immutability, decentralization, and transparency that can be helpful in many different areas including managing electronic medical data and access rights, as well as mobile health. We reviewed all COVID-19-related and unrelated blockchain applications in the healthcare industry. MEDLINE, SpringerLink, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Xplore, ScienceDirect, arXiv, and Google Scholar were searched for pertinent reports up to July 29, 2021. There were articles with both technical and clinical designs, with or without prototype development. A total of 85 375 articles were assessed, and 415 full-length reports—37 of which were connected to COVID-19 and 378 of which were unrelated—were ultimately incorporated into the study. The three primary COVID-19-related applications that were reported were contact tracing, monitoring of immunity or vaccination passports, and pandemic control and surveillance. Management of electronic medical records, internet of things (such as remote monitoring or mobile health), and supply chain monitoring were the top three non-COVID-19-related applications. The majority of publications (277 [667 %] of 415] focused on the technical performance of blockchain prototype systems, whereas nine (2 %) research indicated actual clinical use and uptake. Only technical studies (129 [311 %] of 415) made up the remaining investigations. The most popular platforms were Hyperledger and Ethereum. Numerous COVID-19-related and unrelated health care applications of blockchain technology are possible. The necessity to adapt fundamental blockchain technology for use in healthcare settings is highlighted by the fact that the majority of current research is still in the technical stage and only a small number offers practical clinical applications.