An Innovative Healthcare Records Management System with Ethereum and IPFS

Abstract

In an era where data is considered the new currency, secured record management systems are crucial for organizations to operate smoothly and effectively. Pens and papers are becoming obsolete, and modern-day record management systems that utilize basic databases have limited scalability and security vulnerabilities. Even the EHR that utilizes SHA-3 has drawbacks, as it requires custom-made codes and firmware for every device; in the medical sector, where the value of time is immeasurable, and possibilities of deception are higher than before, a transparent and immutable solution is required. The implementation of blockchain in records management solves all these issues single-handedly. Storing records using the Ethereum blockchain involves hashing the record, adding it to a block on the Ethereum blockchain, and then storing the file on the IPFS network using CID, with the IPFS hash being recorded on the blockchain as manifest on the decentralized ledger, which utilizes Smart Contracts for automated execution of predefined rules. This blockchain-based record management, already having Keccak-256 built-in, ensures enhanced data security, network analysis involving studying the structure and behavior of nodes, transaction bottlenecks, data integrity, no data manipulation, improved patient control, and privacy. The project’s outcome is to leverage the Ethereum blockchain network to maintain patient healthcare records in a tamper-proof and encrypted format.