How to Store Private Healthcare Data Off-Chain Using Blockchain

Aug 5, 2022 | Blockchain

Welcome to the future of healthcare data management! In this article, we will explore how to leverage blockchain technology to securely manage electronic medical records (EMRs) and patient data. By doing so, we bridge the gap between outdated data management systems and the pressing need for innovation in the healthcare sector.

Overview of the Medical Data Management Platform

This code pattern is designed for developers eager to integrate with Blockchain technologies that improve transparency and control over medical data. We will outline how to set up a platform from the point of view of four distinct stakeholders:

  • Solution Admin: Manages a conglomerate of hospitals and has the highest access level, able to onboard hospitals and manage hospital admins.
  • Hospital Admin: Admin of a particular hospital, responsible for onboarding/remove users (patients or doctors).
  • Doctor: Can upload/download medical documents for patients they’re authorized to access.
  • Patient: Manages their own documents, including uploading, viewing access logs, and managing access to their documents.

Connecting the Dots: How the Application Works

Think of the architecture of this application as a well-organized library where various stakeholders can access, manage, and secure documents much like checking in and out books. Each component plays a vital role:

  • Login Flow: Like a library card, users log in to access their respective dashboards through a secure gateway (JWT Authentication).
  • Admin Dashboard: The solution admin can add or remove hospitals just like a librarian can manage library memberships.
  • Organization Dashboard: Hospital admins manage user roles, akin to librarians who designate which users can borrow certain books.
  • Doctor and Patient Dashboards: Doctors manage medical records, while patients control access to their documents, much like how patrons can choose who can borrow their books.

Steps to Deploy the Application

Here’s a step-by-step guide so you can get your own medical data management platform up and running.

1. Set Up Your Machine

  • Install necessary dependencies such as Docker and Git.

2. Create IBM Cloud Services

3. Clone the Repository

  • Clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/IBMMedical-Blockchain.git

4. Modify Configuration Files

  • Update the Redis and Blockchain configuration files with the correct credentials obtained from the IBM Cloud portal.

5. Run the Application

  • Run the application locally with run-application.sh. Navigate to localhost:8080 to see it in action.
  • For Kubernetes deployment, build and apply the necessary Docker images and manifests.

Troubleshooting

While setting up this healthcare data management platform, you may run into some bumps along the way. Here are some common issues and solutions:

  • If you face issues with Node.js installations, ensure you’re using the right version: Node v8.9.x is recommended.
  • For errors related to Docker or Kubernetes, verify that all required services are correctly provisioned and running.
  • If you’re experiencing authentication issues, double-check the JWT tokens and login credentials.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

This innovative medical data management platform not only enhances the storage and access of healthcare data but also ensures it is secure, efficient, and transparent. As healthcare continues to evolve, embracing technologies like blockchain will be crucial in revolutionizing the patient care experience.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

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