Blockchain, Information Security, Control, and Integrity - Who Is in Charge?

• Published in: Plastic and reconstructive surgery (1963)
• Main Authors: Barrera, Janos A, Trotsyuk, Artem A, Henn, Dominic, Sivaraj, Dharshan, Chen, Kellen, Mittal, Smiti, Mermin-Bunnell, Alana M, Larson, Madelyn R, Padmanabhan, Jagannath, Kinney, Brian, Nachbar, James, Sacks, Justin, Terkonda, Sarvam P, Jeffers, Lynn, Gurtner, Geoffrey C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.2023
• ISSN: 1529-4242
• DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000010409

Blockchain technology has attracted significant interest in recent years, most notably for its effect on global economics through the advent of cryptocurrency. Within the healthcare domain, blockchain technology has actively been explored as a tool for improving personal health data management, medical device security, and clinical trial management. Despite a strong demand for innovation and cutting-edge technology in Plastic Surgery, integration of Blockchain technologies within our specialty is still in its infancy. Recent advances and mainstream adoption of blockchain are gaining​ momentum​ and have shown significant promise for improving patient care and information management. In this article, we explain what defines a blockchain, and we discuss its history and potential applications in the field of Plastic Surgery. Existing evidence suggests that Blockchain can enable patient-centered data management, improve privacy, and provide additional safeguards against human error. Integration of Blockchain technology into clinical practice requires further research and development to demonstrate its safety and efficacy for patients and providers.