In [9] their proposed scheme aims to improve the safety of medical data by creating a medical platform based on permissioned blockchain where different hospitals in a specific region can share electronic health records (EHRs). In [10] they propose a system for managing medical data using secure blockchain technology. The system allows users to maintain ownership of their reports while providing easy access for hospitals. The system architecture allows healthcare providers to request and update necessary patient records, and the entire infrastructure is organized within a network.
In [11] This paper describes a system design for a decentralized and secure blockchain-based framework for electronic health records (EHRs). The authors use the off-chain approach to solve the scalability problem of the blockchain. In this approach, the blockchain is used to save just an index for the data while the actual data will be stored in another platform like interplanetary file system (IPFS).
In [12] authors discuss the use of blockchain technology in creating a secure and transparent environment for storing medical records. The blockchain serves as the underlying database for storing and authenticating medical records using a 3-tier architecture. They also discuss the actions performed by different entities in the system, including login, viewing medical history, uploading, and modifying medical results, and consensus-based approval or decline of requests.
In [13] authors describe a proposed decentralized blockchain application for the medical field, focusing on the accuracy, completeness, privacy, and security of patient data. Users can sign up as doctors or patients, and their systems become part of the blockchain network. Patients can upload medical records, which are stored on the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) and identified by unique hashes. They can view and grant access to doctors, and revoke access if needed.
In [14] authors discuss the OmniPHR Multi-Blockchain model, which aims to solve problems in adopting blockchain technology for personal health record (PHR) data. The model introduces a novel architecture that differs from traditional blockchain platforms. It avoids replicating all data to all nodes while utilizing the distribution and security features of blockchain technology.
The system described in [15] demonstrates a way to store medical records. It emphasizes the involvement of patients in managing their records. The authors propose a model that relies on smart contracts and arrays to securely store encrypted medical records directly on the blockchain. This process is facilitated by hospital administrators. Each patient's health records are linked to their specific identity (IDs) and stored using their public keys. Healthcare organizations can access these records by utilizing the patient's private key and unique ID. However, a disadvantage of their method is that it directly stores the primary data on the Blockchain, leading to extra expenses and longer processing time.
Numerous research studies have explored the utilization of embedded systems with IoT technology for the purpose of capturing medical data. Furthermore, a significant body of literature advocates for the adoption of Blockchain technology to ensure the security and integrity of medical records. Our specific focus is directed towards works that employ a Raspberry Pi as the primary embedded device.
In [16], the authors present a system that involves the connection of a Raspberry Pi to various sensors including a temperature sensor, respiration sensor, heartbeat sensor, and accelerometer sensor. This system enables the monitoring of patient parameters directly through the Raspberry Pi itself, without relying on internet connectivity. The paper mentions the potential utilization of platforms such as dweet.io, IBM Cloud, or developer.ibm.com to access and utilize the captured readings, as these platforms are designed for IoT applications.
In [17], the authors employ a Raspberry Pi connected to an ECG sensor, heartbeat sensor, and body temperature sensor. The sensors transmit medical readings to the Raspberry Pi, which stores the data in a local database. Authorized doctors can remotely access the database and review the recorded information using a username and password. However, the challenge lies in ensuring the accuracy and correctness of the captured data.
In [18], the authors propose a system that utilizes a Raspberry Pi. Due to the Raspberry Pi's inability to directly process analog input signals, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is required to interface with analog medical sensors. However, the ADC may introduce noise into the readings. To overcome this limitation, the paper suggests employing an Arduino board in conjunction with the Raspberry Pi as an analog reading device instead of an ADC. In this configuration, the ECG sensor readings are processed within the Raspberry Pi through the Arduino and subsequently transmitted to the IBM Bluemix cloud. The cloud platform provides real-time readings that can be accessed by authorized entities for the purpose of reviewing the records.
In [19], a Raspberry Pi acquires input data from ECG machines connected to it, which are, in turn, connected to the patients. The Raspberry Pi updates a SQL database with the newly acquired readings. Subsequently, the database is utilized to update a webpage that can be accessed by doctors and other relevant entities. Simultaneously, the Raspberry Pi processes the incoming data and, in the event of abnormal readings, sends an alert message through the GSM module.
In their work [20], the authors propose a scenario in which IoT is integrated with Blockchain technology to enhance the security of health records. In this envisioned model, patients are equipped with various medical devices and remotely monitored by doctors. The proposed approach involves leveraging the Ethereum Blockchain and smart contracts to record critical sensor readings as events, while the actual measurements are stored in a designated electronic health records (EHR) storage database.
In contrast to the previously discussed works, our contribution involves a comparative study that examines the characteristics and costs of traditional systems in comparison to Blockchain-based systems. Additionally, we develop and implement a system that leverages the advantages offered by both approaches.