Patient empowerment and control of health data

Abstract

This chapter explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology in shifting control of personal health data from fragmented, institution-centric systems to the individual patient. It examines how blockchain's core tenets of decentralization, immutability, cryptographic security, and transparent auditability provide the foundational infrastructure necessary for true patient empowerment. Key mechanisms such as Self-Sovereign Identity , smart contract-enabled granular consent management, and verifiable data provenance are analyzed as critical tools for granting patients unprecedented sovereignty over their health information. The chapter outlines compelling use cases, including unified health records, secure research participation, and streamlined data sharing, while also addressing significant implementation challenges related to regulation, usability, interoperability, and governance. Ultimately, it argues that blockchain is a pivotal enabler for fostering patient trust, engagement, and participation, paving the way for a more efficient, personalized, and patient-centric future in smart healthcare.