A study about the potential use of Blockchain technology in the Maltese healthcare system

Abstract

Blockchain is a technology that is getting a lot of praise, and it is being considered revolutionary for its versatile and unique features, being mostly prominent in the cryptocurrency financial sector. Nowadays, a number of sectors are considering of introducing and implementing blockchain, the healthcare system being one of them. This study aims to understand whether technology such as blockchain could help the healthcare system, particularly focusing on the Maltese Healthcare system. Firstly, it illustrates the research statements based on literature such as proposals and papers produced by technical experts of the field. These readings provide a definition of blockchain, what it is, what are its unique features, and what is all the hype around it. This then leads to understanding the current issues that the healthcare industry is facing, taking into consideration experts‟ opinion as to whether blockchain could be able to solve certain issues, keeping in mind that this novel system still has limitations. A qualitative approach was required in order to answer the research statements, taking the form of semi-structured interviews. Participants were chosen from three different fields; technologists, medical personnel and laypersons, with the intent to obtain different points of view from sectors which would be influenced by the implementation of a blockchain solution in the healthcare system. The results then demonstrate what would happen if the Maltese Healthcare were to implement blockchain, primarily that it would increase security and accessibility. Although experts have commented that the current technology available is not robust enough. The study also illustrates that the present Maltese Healthcare System would not yet be able to withstand such a transition, considering all the requirements and preparations which it would need to undergo. Based on these findings, the best course of action would be to wait until either blockchain has reached a sufficient level of development, or until more reliable Digital Ledger Technology emerges. The best approach when trying to ameliorate a system is to choose a technology suitable to fix the problem, rather than trying to force one to work. The Maltese Healthcare System, as it stands today, would benefit more if other more developed and appropriate technological solutions are implemented, and which presently have precedence over blockchain.