Blockchain Protecting Telemedicine

Telemedicine offers an opportunity for medical institutions to optimise delivery of care, especially for patients living in areas where healthcare facilities and resources are inadequate. However, there is a downside to this technology-driven approach: risks of patient data being leaked due to insecure telehealth systems.

These privacy risks are brought about by poor, or the absence of, security controls over the collection, use and transfer of data, according to Blaise Wabo, associate director at A-LIGN, who cites the potential of blockchain in protecting telehealth infrastructure against hacking threats.

The blockchain expert explains how, within a telemedicine programme, sensitive health data and other information of patients may land in the hands of unauthorised persons and/or third-party users.