Many people associate blockchain with cryptocurrency, which makes sense given how much the latter has been in the news lately. However, blockchain has applications to many fields, including health care. Even within health care, virtually all specialties, including radiology, can benefit from its implementation. At the most basic level, blockchain is a decentralized ledger for keeping track of information. It allows users to store data across multiple networks to ensure its validity. If one of the networks does not agree with the others, it gets changed. Blockchain creates a public forum for storing data that is immutable, which is what makes it so valuable. Within radiology, it can be used for the following:
1. Track report contributions
Many radiology studies are complex and require input from different specialists to draw meaningful conclusions for the patient. However, these reports can be confusing, and it is not always clear which individuals are contributing which points. Thus, if a primary team or even the patient wants to follow up on something or get more explanation, it can become virtually impossible to determine with whom they should speak for that information. With a blockchain ledger for the report, the contribution of each person gets clearly marked, thereby streamlining communication by obviating the need to spend time figuring out who said what.
2. Put patients in control of their studies
Although an enormous field, health care data remains rife with inefficiency. Several types of electronic health records exist, but their ability to communicate with one other is limited. This means that a study conducted at one institution may not be accessible by another, and while the report will sometimes be available, it accompanying images generally won’t be. As a result, institutions will often waste resources on duplicate studies. With blockchain, patients could gain control of their own health information. Instead of institutions keeping the data, patients would have their own blockchain record and then let institutions access it using a secure key. With this approach, much less imaging would need to be repeated, which would lower costs and facilitate quicker access to machines for people needing novel imaging.
3. Create artificial intelligence algorithms
Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can aid in the quick detection of life-threatening illnesses and further facilitate more efficient assessments by radiologists. However, creating these algorithms involves a lot of collaboration between experts and robust data entry. Then, the algorithm needs to get tested across several radiology departments. Blockchain can be used to document who has contributed what information and ensure that all annotations are attributed for later follow-up. Since blockchain creates a secure ledger, institutions would more easily be able to share datasets with each other, thus facilitating development. Having these algorithms verified quickly will benefit both providers and patients.
4. Track algorithm-derived readings
Some algorithms are already being used clinically to read radiographic studies. While these are a great way to get information quickly, they’re not without pitfalls. Using blockchain, it is possible to track each contribution made by AI in diagnostic reports. This is important because it indicates not only which information is coming from an algorithm, but also the specific tools and versions that were used. If any issue arises with a particular algorithm, this information can be used to go back through and update reports. Also, if some of the readings from an algorithm do not agree with the radiologist’s opinion, this information makes it easier to see how the AI was approaching the question.
5. Identify who accessed certain studies
Security is becoming of increasingly greater concern in medicine as technology gets integrated into care. Blockchain has a key role to play in safeguarding patient information since it can track exactly who has accessed the information. If blockchain were integrated in the electronic health record, it would be possible to see exactly who looked at the studies and when. While this is an important feature for safeguarding security, it could also play a role in ensuring adequate follow-up from providers. People who ordered the study would be able to see whether other providers actually accessed the study as they made medical decisions for the patient.
6. Prevent tampering with records
Blockchain’s ability to guarantee the fidelity of records accounts for its having so many applications in multiple fields. Radiographic studies play an important role in medical decision-making, as they can track disease progression or regression, especially in response to certain treatments. Fidelity is especially important when it comes to clinical research. Blockchain is a way to deliver this data to participants for analysis with a clear record of where the data came from and who is responsible for it. This feature ensures not only that patients receive the best care, but also the accuracy of research studies to be of further benefit to others.