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<p>The healthcare industry has undergone rapid innovation in response to the pandemic. While significant advancements have been made in clinical and laboratory trials, there are still opportunities for further improvement in medical science. One exciting prospect is the integration of Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into healthcare practices. In this article, we will explore various examples of how NFTs can be applied in the healthcare field to drive innovation and enhance patient care.</p><h2 id="header-0">The Challenge of Healthcare Data Management</h2><p>In the United States alone, the production of clinical documents surpasses USD 1.2 billion annually, yet a staggering 80% of this data remains unstructured, leaving it vulnerable to misuse and theft. According to research conducted by bioethicist Kristin Kostick-Quenet, an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine’s Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, one of the primary concerns surrounding healthcare data is the lack of transparency. Currently, the healthcare data exchange market is dominated by major players, preventing patients from having a say in determining who gains access to their data.</p><p>Given the increasing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in drug research, sensitive medical information like hospital records and genetic data has become an incredibly valuable asset. Unfortunately, this data is often bought, traded, or sold without the knowledge or consent of the patients involved.</p><p>Kostick-Quenet’s research also highlights the emergence of an industry that seeks to re-identify anonymous medical data obtained from hospitals or diagnostic centers. This data is then matched with user information from social media platforms, creating detailed profiles of individuals that are subsequently sold to third parties. In this context, smart contract technologies, such as NFTs, offer the potential for digital ownership and hold the promise of securing health records while democratizing access to private medical data.</p><h2 id="header-1">Benefits of NFTs in the Healthcare Industry</h2><h3 id="nfts-and-medical-records-management">NFTs and Medical Records Management:</h3><p>Accurate and up-to-date record-keeping is vital in the healthcare industry. This is especially crucial for medical records, which need to be comprehensive and easily accessible to provide optimal care for patients. Imagine a scenario where, while on vacation in another country, you face a health-related challenge and your medical records can be readily accessed as NFTs on the blockchain. Furthermore, imagine the convenience of swift medical interventions due to the immediate availability of your medical records on the blockchain.</p><p>By incorporating NFTs into healthcare, operations could undergo a revolutionary transformation, particularly in telemedicine. Doctors and other healthcare professionals would have easy access to the necessary information, enabling them to provide quick yet accurate diagnoses and treatments without redundant assessments.</p><h3 id="strong-nfts-and-ownership-of-medical-data-strong"><strong>NFTs and Ownership of Medical Data:</strong></h3><p>In the era of big data, concerns about data ownership have become increasingly distinguished. Our personal information is being collected by social media platforms, and companies are utilizing our genomic data, leaving us with limited control over our own information. NFTs present a solution to this problem by safeguarding patients’ sensitive data and enhancing privacy and security.</p><p>The unique and non-fungible nature of NFTs makes them an ideal tool for storing personal and sensitive data, such as genomic information. By tokenizing data, individuals can ensure the security of their information and control access to trusted parties. Additionally, NFTs provide the opportunity for individuals to monetize their genomic data. For instance, they could sell access to their NFTs to research organizations or companies developing new treatments through NFT marketplaces. This way, NFTs enable individuals to profit from their data while retaining ownership and control.</p><h3 id="tokenization-of-medical-equipment">Tokenization of Medical Equipment:</h3><p>There is a growing interest in tokenizing medical equipment, particularly in developing countries. Establishing a transparent system to validate the authenticity of medical devices, ranging from simple blood sugar devices to complex surgical machines, addresses trust issues prevalent in the medical field. This approach reduces the presence of counterfeit equipment and, subsequently, the occurrence of errors that contribute to patient harm.</p><h3 id="management-enhancements">Management Enhancements:</h3><p>NFTs in healthcare can also improve management practices. While consultations, clinical research, and laboratory work are crucial, sustainability is bolstered by effective management of resources, personnel, finances, and other factors. Tokenizing hospital finances, equipment, medical aids, and medications, along with their real-time prices, enables secure record-keeping. Moreover, hospitals can enhance staff identification processes using NFT collections. These applications contribute to informed decision-making and foster more accommodating policies in the healthcare sector.</p><h2 id="header-2">Conclusion</h2><p>The increasing volume of personal and health data, coupled with the growing focus on patient-centricity, presents a pressing need for efficient data management while prioritizing patient autonomy and security. As the globalization of healthcare gains momentum, the ability to track and control medical and pharmaceutical devices becomes crucial. These factors create an ideal environment for NFTs to address these challenges and enhance patient experiences within the healthcare sector.</p><p>However, several significant obstacles hinder the widespread adoption of NFTs, particularly in healthcare. Data security vulnerabilities, privacy concerns, and intellectual property disputes pose considerable challenges. Moreover, the complexity of NFTs may limit their accessibility to the general public, hindering their potential impact.</p><p>While NFTs are still in the early stages of development, the technology has the potential to evolve further in the coming years, providing patients with comprehensive control over their data and health records. Overcoming the challenges associated with NFTs in healthcare is crucial for mainstream adoption, but the possibilities it holds remain remarkable.</p><p><em>Disclaimer: The information herein is for reference purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Please conduct your own research and due diligence before making investment decisions. You understand that you are using the Information provided at your own risk.</em></p>

NFTs in the Healthcare industry

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2023년 6월 15일에 게재된 다른 기사

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