The benefits and challenges of blockchain in healthcare supply chain management in KSA: A systematic review

Abstract

Background

Blockchain is a cutting-edge innovation being applied to offer innovative solutions in various fields, including healthcare. The healthcare industry uses blockchain networks to store and distribute patient data across hospitals, physicians, diagnostic labs, and pharmaceutical firms. Blockchain applications are essential in the healthcare industry for identifying crucial fallacies that might be fatal. The effectiveness, security, and transparency in exchanging medical data may thus be improved in the healthcare industry. This technology may also aid medical institutions in procuring information and analysing patient data.

Aim

To examine the published papers that discussed the ability of utilization and probable challenges of blockchain technology in KSA's healthcare supply chain management.

Methods

Until February 10, 2023, the prime databases: Pub Med, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of science, Embase and The Cochrane Library were searched. Published studies (except case reports), commentaries, editorials, reviews, and meta-analysis reporting on the use of blockchain technology in healthcare supply chain management were included and a Preferred Reporting Items of systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram was used to present the process. To assess risk of bias and the quality of the included studies, the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) critical evaluation tools were implemented.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included and most of them used blockchain in technology for ensuring transparency, security, and storage of electronic health or medical records. Patients benefited from seamless electronic health records provided by a multi-level blockchain eHealth system. It was observed that blockchain technology effectively addresses clinical trial misconduct, and its potential in this area is to boost data productivity for the healthcare sector. The distinctive data storage pattern of blockchain offers a high-security standard that potentially reduces concerns about data tampering. It provides flexibility, accountability, connection, and data access authentication. Blockchain helps the healthcare sector avoid certain risks and offers decentralized data protection. In our study, we observed that the most preferred network for integrating the healthcare authority, manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and service was Ethereum (ETH).

Conclusion

Healthcare policymakers should implement blockchain in Healthcare Supply Chain Management. Moreover, they need to be aware that the primary issues with blockchain technology in the healthcare industry are the lack of practical applications, the high rate of failed initiatives, and the requirement for collaboration between diverse stakeholders. However, there is a lack of studies on how to evaluate the acceptability and assist healthcare organisations in using blockchain.