EKG AS A NON-FUNGIBLE TOKEN (NFT): A SCHEMA FOR STORING HEALTHCARE DATA ON THE PUBLIC BLOCKCHAIN

BackgroundAt HRS 2022, we described the feasibility and steps necessary for the creation of an EKG non-fungible token (NFT) on the public blockchain and, using Solana’s blockchain as an example, created “EKG NFT HRS 2022” (indexed and viewable on any Solana-based public blockchain explorer). While there are numerous potential advantages to storing healthcare data on the public blockchain (as compared to traditional healthcare data storage methods or on a non-public blockchain), a significant limitation relates to the protection of patient data on a universally accessible ledger.ObjectiveIdentify a method that allows for the storage of healthcare data on the public blockchain while maintaining patient confidentiality.MethodsHere, we propose a schema whereby de-identified EKG metadata stored on the public blockchain could be associated with a patient-specific identifier on a second layer accessible only to healthcare institutions and patients. This is accomplished utilizing a system of smart contracts and NFTs. This solution leverages the benefits of the public blockchain while maintaining patient confidentiality.ResultsA schema for the creation of such a protocol is outlined in figures 1 and 2.ConclusionFigure 2: Execution of the smart contract on the healthcare sidechain is achievable by: 1. Interaction with the smart contract by a healthcare token (with knowledge of the patient’s wallet address) or 2. Interaction with the smart contract by the EKG NFT and a patient-specific NFT. Execution of the smart contract returns the administered token(s) and a copy of the wallet address on the public blockchain housing the EKG metadata.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) BackgroundAt HRS 2022, we described the feasibility and steps necessary for the creation of an EKG non-fungible token (NFT) on the public blockchain and, using Solana’s blockchain as an example, created “EKG NFT HRS 2022” (indexed and viewable on any Solana-based public blockchain explorer). While there are numerous potential advantages to storing healthcare data on the public blockchain (as compared to traditional healthcare data storage methods or on a non-public blockchain), a significant limitation relates to the protection of patient data on a universally accessible ledger. At HRS 2022, we described the feasibility and steps necessary for the creation of an EKG non-fungible token (NFT) on the public blockchain and, using Solana’s blockchain as an example, created “EKG NFT HRS 2022” (indexed and viewable on any Solana-based public blockchain explorer). While there are numerous potential advantages to storing healthcare data on the public blockchain (as compared to traditional healthcare data storage methods or on a non-public blockchain), a significant limitation relates to the protection of patient data on a universally accessible ledger. ObjectiveIdentify a method that allows for the storage of healthcare data on the public blockchain while maintaining patient confidentiality. Identify a method that allows for the storage of healthcare data on the public blockchain while maintaining patient confidentiality. MethodsHere, we propose a schema whereby de-identified EKG metadata stored on the public blockchain could be associated with a patient-specific identifier on a second layer accessible only to healthcare institutions and patients. This is accomplished utilizing a system of smart contracts and NFTs. This solution leverages the benefits of the public blockchain while maintaining patient confidentiality. Here, we propose a schema whereby de-identified EKG metadata stored on the public blockchain could be associated with a patient-specific identifier on a second layer accessible only to healthcare institutions and patients. This is accomplished utilizing a system of smart contracts and NFTs. This solution leverages the benefits of the public blockchain while maintaining patient confidentiality. ResultsA schema for the creation of such a protocol is outlined in figures 1 and 2. A schema for the creation of such a protocol is outlined in figures 1 and 2. Conclusion