Table 7 Listing of constructs, definitions, anecdotal evidence, and count for perceived benefits of blockchain-based HIEs
Axial Codes (Constructs) | Definition | Sample Quotes | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
Encryption and control | The extent to which blockchain is secure to encrypt data, control access, and protect the privacy of health information during transactions | “Blockchain functions based on a secure network infrastructure that ensures confidentiality and privacy of sensitive health information.” | 35 |
Data management | The extent to which blockchain can improve data storage, data aggregation, and data consistency | “Systems using blockchain can integrate data from different sources (such as patients) and effectively distribute them across different entities.” | 29 |
Interoperable mechanism | The extent to which blockchain enables to communicate and exchange usable data across different parties in a network | “Blockchain technology can overcome the interoperability barriers of the current HIE systems and facilitate interoperable communications between different healthcare organizations.” | 27 |
Decentralized system | The extent to which blockchain can distribute authority and decision-making power across various entities in a network | “Relying on a P2P network, more roles are defined, and more people will be in the loop of information provision, verification, and exchange.” | 23 |
Smart contracts | The extent to which blockchain enables smart contracts to digitalize, control, and automate transactions | “Blockchain-powered networks can run programs and codes to verify and execute transactions automatically when predetermined conditions are met.” | 20 |
Transparent protocols | The extent to which blockchain uses protocols to increase the transparency of information sharing transactions | “Users can visibly track where health data comes from, what happens to it, where it goes over time, and why it is shared.” | 17 |
System uptime | The extent to which blockchain platforms could be free from network downtime and inactive time | “In the last decade, only blockchain platforms proved the claim of enhanced system uptime.” | 15 |
Speed and cost of transactions | The extent to which blockchain could increase the effectiveness and efficiencies of information-sharing efforts | “blockchain is seen as being better than previous technologies in terms of reducing costs and improving the speed of transactions.” | 11 |