Enhancing Healthcare Data Security and Transparency with Blockchain Technology at a Tshwane Hospital in South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa, the healthcare sector experiences significant challenges in data management, such as data silos, interoperability issues, and concerns over data security and privacy. These inadequacies impede effective care delivery and erode patient trust. Despite advancements in healthcare technology, the risk of data breaches and compromised patient data remains a pressing concern. Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution to address these challenges by providing a decentralized, secure, and transparent platform for managing healthcare data. This study aims to investigate the potential of blockchain technology to enhance healthcare data management at a hospital in Tshwane, South Africa. The focus is on improving security, transparency, and efficiency in data management. A qualitative research methodology was employed, involving surveys of healthcare professionals. The qualitative questions were presented through a tool on Likert scale and statistical methods were used for data analysis. The surveys assessed current data management issues, explored blockchain's potential benefits, and identified key system requirements. The results highlighted data security, system inefficiencies, and interoperability as the most pressing challenges. Blockchain's ability to enhance data security and management efficiency was highly valued. Essential features for blockchain implementation included data integrity, secure data sharing, regulatory compliance, and ease of integration with existing systems. The study concludes that blockchain technology could significantly improve healthcare data management by addressing security and interoperability issues. However, challenges such as system integration and implementation costs should be addressed. Recommendations for healthcare organizations include prioritizing data security, simplifying technology complexity, and nurturing transparency through blockchain adoption. Blockchain can enhance patient trust and improve the efficiency of healthcare services by addressing these challenges.