Blockchain -- a distributed database that is secured by cryptography and consists of nonmodifiable data -- emerged in 2008 as the mathematical foundation for cryptocurrency, according to presenter Dr. Morgan McBee of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Since then, applications for blockchain have expanded beyond cryptocurrencies at an almost exponential rate, and many of these applications are suitable for healthcare.
"There has been a great deal of attention in the press in regards to blockchain, but there has been little coverage in the radiology literature," McBee told AuntMinnie.com. "While there are several promising applications within radiology such as simplified image sharing among institutions and patients having control of their own radiology images, blockchain technology has several key limitations and is not a silver bullet for storage of data in healthcare."
McBee said he aims to break down blockchain into understandable components, introduce applications within radiology, and address its shortcomings.
Build your knowledge of blockchain technology by perusing this poster presentation.
