articleAug 1, 2016Closed access

MedRec: Using Blockchain for Medical Data Access and Permission Management

AAAsaph AzariaAEAriel EkblawTAThiago Augusto VieiraALAndrew Lippman

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Indexed incrossref

Abstract

Years of heavy regulation and bureaucratic inefficiency have slowed innovation for electronic medical records (EMRs). We now face a critical need for such innovation, as personalization and data science prompt patients to engage in the details of their healthcare and restore agency over their medical data. In this paper, we propose MedRec: a novel, decentralized record management system to handle EMRs, using blockchain technology. Our system gives patients a comprehensive, immutable log and easy access to their medical information across providers and treatment sites. Leveraging unique blockchain properties, MedRec manages authentication, confidentiality, accountability and data sharing- crucial considerations…

Citation impact

2,414
total citations
FWCI
355.44
Percentile
100%
References
8
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Authors

4

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Blockchain
  • Computer science
  • Permission
  • Interoperability
  • Computer security
  • Data access
  • Data sharing
  • Authentication (law)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Industry, innovation and infrastructure
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