The impact of eHealth and blockchain technology in healthcare: a qualitative research of medical professionals of Estonia

This study aimed to analyze the perception of healthcare workers of Estonia on the impact of eHealth and blockchain technology in healthcare, after over a decade of its nationwide adoption, and their perceived benefits and challenges of its implementation. A qualitative research was conducted involving a semi-structured interview of eleven participants, selected amongst healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses and managers of healthcare institutions. The eleven participants referred to eHealth as a great tool which facilitates access to patient’s medical data, saving time and improving communication with other healthcare providers and patients. Data overload, insufficient computer skills and the disparities on access by particular groups of the population are amongst the challenges on the implementation of eHealth. This study highlights the perceptions of healthcare workers, on the impact of eHealth and blockchain technology, specifically detailing its benefits and challenges, after a decade of its adoption in Estonia. There is positive correlation between eHealth literacy and health-related behaviors for health promotion in the future and the majority of the participants are of the opinion that being able to access their own medical data, prescriptions, information about their condition, may increase patient’s compliance to advice and treatment regimes proposed by healthcare providers.