Abstract
Objective: To investigate the application of blockchain technology in the management of electronic health records. Methods: We conducted an integrative review following the guidelines of the Centre for Reviews Dissemination (CRD). The central question was, "What are the applications of blockchain technology in the management of electronic health records?" We conducted searches in databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus) from 2018 to 2022, using keywords related to blockchain and electronic health records. We selected 21 publications that met the inclusion criteria. Results: Blockchain technology has been explored in various applications in the healthcare field, including data security and privacy, interoperability, patient empowerment, and operational efficiency. Countries such as China, the United States, and India lead research in this area. Studies emphasized the importance of blockchain in ensuring the integrity of health data and empowering patients to selectively share their information. However, challenges such as regulations and costs still need to be overcome. Final considerations: Blockchain technology shows promising potential to improve the management of electronic health records, offering security and empowerment to patients. However, its adoption faces significant challenges that require cooperation among stakeholders and ongoing research.
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