The benefits and threats of blockchain technology in healthcare: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The application of blockchain technology is being explored to improve the interoperability of patient health information between healthcare organisations while maintaining the privacy and security of data. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this scoping review is to explore and categorise the benefits and threats of blockchain technology application in a healthcare system. METHODS: Databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, IEEE, Springer, and ScienceDirect were searched using a combination of terms related to blockchain, healthcare, benefits and threats. Backward-reference list checking was conducted to identify other relevant references. Study selection process was performed in three steps based on PRISMA flow diagram. Extracted data were synthesised and presented narratively using tables and figures. RESULTS: The search resulted in 84 relevant studies that have been conducted of which only 37 unique studies were included in this review. Eight benefits of blockchain were categorised in either patient related-benefits (security and authorisation, personalised healthcare, patients' health data tracking, and patient's health status monitoring) or organisational-related benefits (health information exchange, pharmaceutical supply chain, clinical trials, and medical insurance management). Meanwhile, eight threats of blockchain were categorised into three groups: organisational threats (installation and transaction costs, interoperability issues, and lack of technical skills), social threats (social acceptance and regulations issues), and technological threats (scalability issues, authorisation and security issues, high energy consumption, and slow processing speeds). CONCLUSION: Blockchain is a viable technology that can improve the healthcare data sharing and storing system owing to its decentralisation, immutability, transparency and traceability features. However, many healthcare organisations remain hesitant to adopt blockchain technology due to threats such as security and authorisation issues, interoperability issues and lack of technical skills related to blockchain technology.

Understanding the Food Habits and Physical Activities of Diabetes Cohort in Qatar.

In this study, we analyze the food and lifestyle-related factors for a Diabetic cohort from Qatar, where the prevalence of diabetes is among the top in the Middle East region. Statistical analysis shows that the diabetic group is consuming a lower amount of fast foods, soft drinks and meats as a meal but a higher amount of vegetables and fruits compared to the control group. Though the diabetic cohort consumes a lower number of snacks and desserts, they consume a higher amount of sugar for tea. Interestingly, we find the diabetes cohort is spending a lower amount of time in sedentary life but their involvement in different physical activities is lower than the control group. Overall, we conclude that the Qatari diabetic cohort, considered in this study, is following standard guidelines for food and drinks but they may need to improve the physical activity level following physician guidelines.

Cardiovascular Diseases in Qatar: Smoking, Food Habits and Physical Activities Perspectives.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) trigger a high number of deaths across the world. In this study, we investigate the food, drinking, smoking, and lifestyle-related habits for a Qatari CVD cohort to understand the implication of these factors on CVD. Statistical analysis shows that the CVD group is consuming a lower amount of fast foods, soft drinks, snacks, and meats compared to the control group. Alarmingly, the level of smoking is still higher in the CVD group, and the consumption level of healthy items (e.g., cereal, cornflakes) in breakfast is relatively lower compared to the control group. Interestingly, the CVD cohort is spending more time walking and avoiding heavy sports, compared to the control group, but their involvement in moderate physical activities is lower than the control group. Overall, we conclude that the Qatari CVD cohort is following most of the standard guidelines related to food items and heavy sports; however, the cohort should reduce smoking habits, and may modify the moderate level of physical activity based on physician guidelines.