Blockchain in Healthcare: Implementing Hyperledger Fabric for Electronic Health Records at Frere Provincial Hospital
Abayomi Agbeyangi, Olukayode Oki, Aphelele Mgidi
TL;DR
This paper investigates deploying a blockchain-based Electronic Health Records (EHR) system at Frere Provincial Hospital to address interoperability, security, and accessibility challenges. It adopts a mixed-methods, case-study approach using Hyperledger Fabric to implement a modular, permissioned EHR network with role-based access control, CouchDB-based world state, and JavaScript smart contracts. Key findings show enhanced data security, data integrity, auditability, and controlled data sharing among clinicians and patients, with privacy preserved by the permissioned architecture. The study's limitations include single-site scope and ongoing challenges in transaction-history retrieval and scalability, underscoring the need for broader empirical validation and optimization before widespread adoption. The work provides a practical blueprint for healthcare facilities seeking secure, interoperable EHR solutions using enterprise blockchain.
Abstract
As healthcare systems worldwide continue to grapple with the challenges of interoperability, data security, and accessibility, integrating emerging technologies becomes imperative. This paper investigates the implementation of blockchain technology, specifically Hyperledger Fabric, for Electronic Health Records (EHR) management at Frere Hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The paper examines the benefits and challenges of integrating blockchain into healthcare information systems. Hyperledger Fabric's modular architecture is harnessed to create a secure, transparent, and decentralized platform for storing, managing, and sharing EHRs among stakeholders. The study used a mixed-methods approach, integrating case studies and data collection methods through observation and informal questions, with the specific goal of understanding current record management methods and challenges. This method offers practical insights and validates the approach. The result demonstrates the role of blockchain in transforming healthcare, framed within a rigorous exploration and analysis. The findings of this study have broader implications for healthcare institutions seeking advanced solutions to address the persistent challenges in electronic health record management. Ultimately, the research underscores the transformative potential of blockchain technology in healthcare settings, fostering trust, security, and efficiency in the management of sensitive patient data.