Unlocking Medical Big Data: Overcoming the Interoperability Challenge in Healthcare Systems with Blockchain

Abstract Purpose This study aims to address the challenges of medical data exchange across institutions. Design/methodology/approach A blockchain-based system, UMBD (Unlocking Medical Big Data), is proposed to enable secure and interoperable medical data sharing through decentralized management ensuring data integrity and traceability. Findings UMBD ensures complete lifecycle management, recording data creation, storage, sharing, utilization, and revocation in the blockchain. Trusted sharing is guaranteed by blockchain, addressing distrust among medical institutions. UMBD provides accountability and traceability for incorrect examination results, tracing errors back to the source and facilitating timely remedial measures. Experimental verification demonstrates UMBD’s high efficiency, making it effective for all involved parties. Research limitations Limited experimental data volume may affect real-world generalizability. Practical implications UMBD promotes the reliable sharing of medical data among medical institutions, thereby reducing patients’ burden of repeated examinations and supporting fair resource allocation. Originality/value The study introduces a blockchain-based system for medical data interoperability, ensuring trusted sharing, full lifecycle management, and accountability within medical big data environments.