Blockchain aplicado en afecciones mamarias: desafíos y consideraciones éticas

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by the Internet, has generated significant technological advances, transforming various aspects of daily life, including the healthcare industry. Blockchain technology emerges as an innovative solution to address problems related to breast pathology. Being a decentralized network that records ‘data’ events in chained blocks, it offers security and transparency when storing information. Initially, blockchain was applied to cryptocurrencies and has spread to various industries, including healthcare in senology, where it facilitates the management of electronic medical records, such as mammograms interpreted using machine learning technology, biopsy results, scan interpretation, and the use or consumption. of medications, thus facilitating the exchange of data for prevention, diagnosis, management of medical or pharmaceutical supplies and research. Blockchain adoption presents ethical and practical challenges, especially in information confidentiality. Furthermore, the digital divide and unequal access to the Internet represent obstacles to its equitable implementation. Similarly, the use of blockchain raises questions about truth and trust in data, as it theoretically offers integrity and security, necessitating full epistemological validation of its usefulness in generating knowledge. In short, blockchain has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry; However, it is crucial that its implementation faces ethical, legal and technological challenges to ensure genuine social benefit and avoid exacerbating inequalities. Constant evaluation of its impact and integration with current systems are essential to maximize its potential while mitigating its risks.