A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for Blockchain Technology Adoption in Smart Healthcare

Blockchain technology holds significant potential to revolutionize electronic medical records, owing to its core features of decentralization, transparency, and immutability. However, the suitability of different types of blockchain varies, each presenting unique benefits and limitations within the healthcare settings. Hence, selecting the most appropriate blockchain platform remains a complex decision, influenced by various conflicting criteria. This study presents a software engineering-driven decision-support framework to evaluate blockchain platforms for healthcare applications, using the Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS (IFS-TOPSIS) method. Through a literature review and expert consultations, we identified eight criteria for objective assessment. Among the three blockchain platforms evaluated, the results indicate that permissioned blockchain technology is the most suitable for the healthcare sector, primarily due to its strengths in regulatory compliance, data privacy, and system integration. The study’s findings would help practitioners identify and choose the best blockchain platform, thus contributing to a transition in the healthcare industry called “Smart Healthcare 5.0”.