IBM is no stranger to blockchain technology, with the company working on a few different projects utilizing the innovative decentralized ledger. According to new reports, the tech giant is now partnering with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to fight against the ongoing opioid crisis, among other illness.
Streamlining Medical Records
The two are working on a new blockchain-based platform that streamlines the CDC’s work in surveying medical providers. Their system has been tested via simulated data, with the distributed ledger autonomously collecting and securing information.
As reported by Fast Company, the CDC already collects data from multiple surveys like the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey or the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Accumulated information reveals everything from how often patients check-in for care, to the number of opioid prescriptions doctors provide. Blockchain technology would provide a better way to view that info while being able to track who is using it and when.
However, it’s important to note that this blockchain won’t store information. Instead, data will be stored on IBM’s cloud servers, with the blockchain authorizing those who deserve access, according to IBM’s blockchain technical lead, David McElroy.
A Change of Heart
Ironically, cryptocurrencies and blockchain have often been accused of worsening the opioid outbreak, due to the more anonymous nature of buying a product via digital assets. Yet, these good-hearted groups are working to change that stereotype.
According to HealthcareITNews, the CDC has delved into quite a few different blockchain projects, so this recent collaboration should come as no surprise. Intel is also working with blockchain to prevent opioid abuse, as reported by Bloomberg.
The goal with most of these groups is to use the decentralized ledger to track how often medicine is distributed and where it goes. Ideally, all healthcare providers and companies would collaborate on the blockchain so the CDC can prevent patients who go to multiple doctors or jump state borders from acquiring more prescriptions.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a date for widespread deployment, but it’s great to see big tech pushing for these types of use case.
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