Securing Patient Health Records Using Blockchain

Traditional Electronic Health Records (EHRs) raise red flags about data privacy, security, and patient control. This research tackles these issues by proposing a new system where patients call the shots on their medical information. Our blockchain and InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) system puts patients in the driver's seat, granting them complete ownership and oversight of their health data. Patients securely submit their formatted medical history through a dedicated website, where it's stored on IPFS using a decentralized platform like Pinata. A unique code (Content Identifier or CID) acts like a key, linking the data to the patient's blockchain address via a smart contract (coded rules) for guaranteed accuracy and tracking. Our design prioritizes patient-controlled access. Healthcare providers can't access the data without the patient's explicit go-ahead. Access requests are sent directly to the patient, who has the final say on approval, ensuring their data privacy is always protected. Approved requests include the CID, allowing authorized physicians to retrieve the patient's data directly from IPFS storage. But patient control goes beyond just reacting to access requests. Our system empowers patients to be proactive. Using their unique login credentials, they can grab their CID directly from the blockchain. This retrieval process can be integrated into a secure patient portal or mobile app. With their CID in hand, patients can directly share it with chosen physicians, fostering collaboration in care without relying on intermediary platforms. This streamlined data exchange empowers patients and fosters a more collaborative healthcare environment where they actively manage their health information.