Different research departments from the University of California have planned blockchain technology in the clinical database. These papers published on Feb 22 in an international journal Nature.
At present, monitoring and integrity of data in the clinical testing process are not sufficient. The researchers introduced blockchain-based technology in clinical data process. This makes the collected data more traceable, unchangeable and more potential. This blockchain technology tested in the clinical experiment, it is impossible to tamper the data.
Data sharing and security
In the trial run, the researchers launched an internet-based portal to access all investigators in the clinical process. The data would be shared between clinical participants and the patients. The developers also tested data integrity and any malicious attacks with real medical records.
Blockchain technology aims to the most advanced methods in adverse cases during the research process. It also improved medical record administration very effectively.
Data storing method
The developers have also verified with the data storing process. All the data stored in the form of blocks and joined with each other by employing the SHA256 algorithm.
Zero-knowledge verification
In this concept, the data can be verified and checked for any tampering without physically verifying each file. SHA256 is fast and greatly algorithm used for comparing two blocks.
In the article quoted that:
“Verifying originality can be done quickly, and without actually opening and inspecting data, which is useful if confidential data are being audited.”
In the model, if a client wants to modify any information or correct an error, the system will allow him to create an update with a new transaction and without overwriting previous data.
Blockchain technology used in health insurance company Aetna, U.S based insurance company, collaborated with IBM for health plans. It solved data management problems in the insurance field. Another state in the U.S Vermont also using this technology as a pilot project in the insurance industry.
