Blockchain Empowerment in Healthcare: A Survey

Since its inception, blockchain technology has been characterized by its core attributes of immutability, traceability, and decentralization, which are fundamental to ensuring data security. In the contemporary digital landscape, medical data has emerged as a critical asset, and the integration of blockchain into healthcare has facilitated a range of innovative solutions for secure and efficient data sharing. Beyond its role in data security, blockchain’s smart contracts have attracted significant research interest due to their potential to automate processes and enhance efficiency in medical research and healthcare operations. In this context, this survey provides a systematic and in-depth exploration of blockchain applications in healthcare, with a focus on: (1) analyzing the technical foundations of blockchain and its suitability for healthcare applications; (2) synthesizing the eight key domains where blockchain has demonstrated impact in the healthcare sector; and (3) critically examining the challenges that hinder blockchain adoption in healthcare while identifying future research directions. By presenting a comprehensive review of blockchains transformative potential in healthcare, this survey offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners engaged in this evolving interdisciplinary field.