Blockchain-Based Applications in Neurological Surgery

Paper-based patient records have been associated with disorganization and redundancy and thus lack of efficiency and security. The electronic health record (EHR) is an electronic record for patient health information that has alleviated many of the traditional issues associated with paper-based records. However, in the current era of the internet and with the variability of EHR systems, privacy, security, and interoperability remain challenges of the current patient health information management systems. Blockchain technologies provide an opportunity to address many of the challenges associated with current EHR systems. In addition, new frameworks have explored the utility of blockchain-based applications in addressing concerns in different medical disciplines such as neurosurgery. This review discusses these applications, including blockchain-based solutions impacting all of medicine, relating to the EHR, and directly relating to neurosurgery. This review also discusses blockchain technology and the related intricacies for appreciating the relevant frameworks, while also highlighting the challenges associated with this technology.