Open AccessAttitudes Toward Blockchain Technology in Managing Medical Information: Survey Study
Author(s) -
Yong Sauk Hau,
Jae Min Lee,
Jaechan Park,
Min Cheol Chang
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
jmir. journal of medical internet research/journal of medical internet research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.446
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1439-4456
pISSN - 1438-8871
DOI - 10.2196/15870
Subject(s) - blockchain , transparency (behavior) , expectancy theory , medical record , reliability (semiconductor) , medical education , medicine , psychology , family medicine , computer science , computer security , social psychology , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , radiology
Background The recently developed blockchain technology uses a peer-to-peer network to distribute data to all participants for storage. This method enhances data safety, reliability, integrity, and transparency. To successfully introduce blockchain technology to medical data management, it is essential to obtain consent from medical doctors and patients. Objective The aim of this study was to examine medical doctors’ and patients’ attitudes toward the use of blockchain technology and interpret the findings within the framework of expectancy theory. Methods In this questionnaire survey, we examined medical doctors’ (n=90) and patients’ (n=90) attitudes toward the use of blockchain technology in the management and distribution of medical information. The questionnaire comprised 8 questions that assessed attitudes toward new means of managing and distributing medical information using blockchain technology. Responses were rated on a scale that ranged from 1 (very negative) to 7 (very positive). Results Medical doctors (mean 3.7-5.0) reported significantly more negative attitudes than patients (mean 6.3-6.8). Furthermore, self-employed doctors reported more negative attitudes than employed doctors and university professors. Conclusions To successfully introduce blockchain technology to medical data management, it is necessary to promote positive attitudes toward this technology among medical doctors, especially self-employed doctors.