Posted on by Sunil Dravida

The convergence of AI and Blockchain in Healthcare

Blockchain combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the field of healthcare in the next few years. Let’s look at each of these concepts first.

Artificial Intelligence
Image: https://pixabay.com/en/forward-robot-2083419/

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was originally introduced as a term to emulate the human brain and try to solve problems in the world using machines but with a holistic human approach. There have been several advancements in technology to satisfy our strong desire to augment the human brain. Big data brings the capacity to store large amounts of data and AI does a great job of processing and translating the data in an intelligent manner into consumable tools. A truly artificially intelligent system is one that learns on its own, one that’s capable of processing huge amounts of data and create associations and intelligently mimic actual human behavior.

The increased use of artificial intelligence and machine learning is disrupting the areas of medical research and treatment. These advanced technologies provide researchers access to tons of data via clinical studies and journals on several genetic disorders. This could potentially shorten the amount of time it takes to develop cures by analyzing of a lot of comprehensive data very quickly. AI can be used to generate insights which can assist in the discovery and clinical development of pharmaceutical medicine.

What are some use cases for AI in Healthcare?

Do you remember when we started using robotics in manufacturing? Well, in a similar fashion, AI is making its mark in healthcare by automating a few daily, repetitive tasks. Let’s look at the example of detecting cancer. We can leverage the power of deep learning, write algorithms and develop  models that can be trained to distinguish between sets of pixels in an image that represents cancer versus sets that don’t. At this point, AI technology can go through millions of medical images (X-Rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.) in a single day to detect patterns and anomalies that normal humans just cannot do.

Additionally, these algorithms are constantly learning and evolving and getting better at making these associations with each new data set that gets ingested into the data stores. Pathology and radiology might see tangible benefits soon as technology companies will bring these deep learning algorithms to healthcare providers. In fact, some companies are already doing this. FDA recently approved an AI-powered medical imaging platform that helps doctors analyze and diagnose anomalies in the heart. This is the first time ever that the FDA has approved a machine learning application for use in clinical environments.

Now, let’s look at the practicality of using AI as opposed to normal human beings. We know that humans get distracted easily but computers don’t get bored or distracted. That, combined with immense compute and processing power, AI is exponentially better than us at analyzing data.

Let’s look at the example of IBM’s Watson. Watson could analyze genomic data from both tumor cells and healthy cells and was ultimately able to recommend actionable insights in a mere 10 minutes. The same data would have taken a human roughly 160 hours to analyze. Apart from diagnoses, AI is also being used in the pharmaceutical industry to help with extremely time-consuming monotonous work of discovering new drugs, and a lot of companies are jumping on the bandwagon.

Gartner recently predicted that by 2025, 50 percent of the population will rely on AI-powered virtual personal health assistants for their routine primary care needs. These virtual assistants (like Siri) would be out main interaction engines for out health devices and the machine learning algorithms would be working round the clock to analyze our biometric data. These assistants would tell us about current state of health, acting as a sort of medical informer and alert us when it’s time to see a physician.

With the amount of data generated and available to mankind today combined with the various advancements in technology, healthcare is transitioning from reacting to preventing and disrupting the way care is delivered. Artificial intelligence is and will be saving our lives for years to come.

Now, let’s see what Blockchain is all about.

So, what is Blockchain?

Blockchain
Image: https://pixabay.com/en/blockchain-bitcoin-bit-coin-3041480/

How do you make a transaction currently? By using trusted middleman like a bank, right? The difference with blockchain is that it allows consumers and suppliers to connect directly, eliminating the need for a third party. By using cryptography to keep the exchanges secure, blockchain provides a decentralized database or a “digital ledger” of transactions that everyone on the network can see. This network is basically nothing but a chain of computers that will each have to approve an exchange before it can be deemed to be verified and recorded.

Blockchain can best be described as a digital database, which, unlike a traditional database, is characterized by three main features: decentralization, immutability and transparency.

Decentralization

As a major deviation from centralized structures, a distributed ledger technology like blockchain exists in the form of a network: essentially a copy of the blockchain is located on each participating computer. This makes the data integrity extremely strong and resistant to hacking. For example, in the traditional financial world, the bank is the central authority that everyone must trust, in the world of blockchain, the bank can be eliminated. All cryptocurrencies (e.g. Bitcoin) function according to this principle. All transactions take place completely autonomously through the users and their end devices.

Immutability

Data can only be added to the blockchain, but it cannot be changed or deleted. All data remains in its original state. This makes every transaction visible to every user. You can change the access rights but that’s about it.

Transparency

All the users involved in a blockchain can view the data at any time without restriction by having the right privileges. This way transparency is established without any additional layer of software or authentication.

Now, let’s look at some of the applications of Blockchain in the Life Sciences field

Block Chain in Healthcare
Image: https://pixabay.com/en/block-chain-personal-data-records-2847329/

The element of transparency appears to be highly misconstrued in the healthcare sector. However, transparency in this context does not mean that the patient is semi-transparent and unauthorized persons can view his data. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite. Blockchain has the potential to bring the healthcare sector much closer towards patient centralization.

The management of medical data in the form of digital patient records based on blockchain technology can make the patients have complete control of their own data. We know that there are public blockchains, such as those used to trade cryptocurrencies. But, there are also private blockchains that only permit access to those who have permission to access them. The possibility of storing data in external databases also exists with pointers (references) in the blockchain.

You can potentially store x-rays and CT scan images and medication histories in external databases with pointers in the blockchain. So, essentially, data is available on the computer systems in place at the relevant healthcare provider. An index will point to this data in the blockchain and manages the corresponding access rights. The patient can then decide who can access his data, and can access it at any time. This simplifies the cooperation between the different specialists treating the patients, and the storage and administration of their personal data.

Additionally, sensor and medical device data can be added to the blockchain and evaluated. Imagine the potential of an individual early warning system that can be created for the patient keeping him informed of his health status. In medical research, blockchain technology is also useful for managing the results of studies. The reliability of research results can be tracked objectively because it is transparent and secure from tampering. The question of who made the initial discovery can also be addressed in this manner, since all the data and transactions are transparent and immutable.

I strongly believe that blockchain can radically improve data sharing, data security, interoperability, patient engagement, health information exchange (HIE) and R&D. For example, in population health management, providers can use blockchain to progress in clinical research patient safety event reporting, adverse event identification, public health reporting and precision medicine.

So, how Blockchain and AI can work together for a better healthcare?

Block Chain and AI in Healthcare
Image: https://pixabay.com/en/artificial-intelligence-robot-ai-ki-2167835/

Technology is democratizing data and enabling real-time analytics for actionable insights. We can combine Blockchain and AI to analyze data sets that cannot be analyzed together due to regulations or data privacy concerns. Insights that were unaffordable due to a manual curation process will be made accessible by biotech companies, treatment centers and even patients.

We can use blockchain to keep the data decentralized. Imagine a world where patients don’t worry about sharing their behavioral data? Additionally, let’s say they are able to share their deeply personal medical data with pharmaceutical companies. This can be possible with blockchain since the data won’t reside with pharmaceutical companies but in immutable blocks. If they take part in a trial and the drug gets approval, patients can partake in the benefits instantly through smart contracts. Blockchain and AI could enable a structural shift where all parties share data in a decentralized fashion, wherein the system could still collectively use the data to make smart decisions. This could overthrow the legacy hurdles of healthcare i.e. data lying in different places, strong regulations restricting the sharing and analysis of that data, and weak incentives for sharing research and training data.

Future of Healthcare
Image: https://pixabay.com/en/hand-robot-human-divine-spark-1571852/

The future of healthcare is very bright. We can combine technologies like AI, Cognitive computing, machine learning and blockchain to look at much larger and diverse data sets. As with any emergent technology, blockchain’s use for healthcare data is a work in progress, but they have predicted that within five years, healthcare blockchain will be the new norm for the sector.

3,204 Replies to “The convergence of AI and Blockchain in Healthcare”

  1. It will also eliminate the entire time lost in patient recruiting for clinical trials. Patient Databases owned by Patients are the most powerful value that can be generated. Identifying right patient for clinical trials will make the medicine so much more Accessible.

    Reply

  2. Auto Like, Autolike, autolike, Autoliker, Photo Liker, auto like, Status Liker, Increase Likes, auto liker, Photo Auto Liker, ZFN Liker, autoliker, Status Auto Liker, Autolike International, Working Auto Liker, Autoliker, Auto Liker

    Reply

  4. Awesome blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused .. Any recommendations? Thanks!

    Reply

  87. I simply want to tell you that I am just very new to blogs and actually enjoyed your web-site. Very likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog post . You absolutely come with amazing well written articles. Appreciate it for revealing your web-site.

    Reply

  145. Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the best I’ve discovered till now. But, what about the bottom line? Are you certain about the supply?

    Reply

  184. I enjoy you because of your own work on this blog. My aunt enjoys making time for investigation and it’s easy to see why. We hear all concerning the compelling medium you convey valuable suggestions via your web blog and recommend response from other ones on this matter while our favorite daughter is undoubtedly starting to learn a lot of things. Take advantage of the rest of the new year. You’re the one carrying out a stunning job.

    Reply

  195. hi!,I really like your writing very so much! percentage we keep up a correspondence more about your post on AOL? I require a specialist in this space to unravel my problem. May be that’s you! Taking a look ahead to see you.

    Reply

  198. I simply desired to thank you so much all over again. I do not know the things that I could possibly have done in the absence of those pointers documented by you about such a area. Previously it was a very frightful dilemma for me personally, however , discovering your specialised mode you handled that made me to weep over contentment. I’m grateful for your guidance as well as trust you realize what a great job that you’re undertaking teaching some other people thru your web blog. Most likely you have never come across all of us.

    Reply

  199. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    Reply

  206. I happen to be writing to make you understand what a outstanding discovery our child went through browsing your webblog. She even learned so many issues, most notably what it is like to possess a wonderful helping mindset to have folks completely completely grasp various impossible subject matter. You undoubtedly surpassed visitors’ desires. Thanks for rendering those priceless, trustworthy, educational and as well as fun guidance on the topic to Tanya.

    Reply

  208. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

    Reply

  222. I haven’t checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

    Reply

  235. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and simply couldn’t come across. What a perfect website.

    Reply

  263. You really make it appear so easy together with your presentation however I to find this matter to be really one thing that I feel I might by no means understand. It sort of feels too complicated and very wide for me. I’m taking a look forward on your next post, I will try to get the cling of it!

    Reply

  303. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.

    Reply

  304. Hi. I have checked your karmiccycle.com and i see you’ve got some
    duplicate content so probably it is the
    reason that you don’t rank hi in google. But you can fix this issue fast.
    There is a tool that rewrites content like human, just search in google: miftolo’s tools

    Reply

  309. I wanted to send you a little bit of observation to be able to give thanks once again with your wonderful solutions you’ve discussed above. It is so pretty generous with people like you to offer extensively exactly what some people could possibly have distributed for an electronic book to end up making some bucks on their own, mostly given that you might have done it if you considered necessary. The good ideas likewise acted to provide a fantastic way to be sure that some people have the identical dream just like my own to know the truth very much more on the subject of this issue. I am sure there are millions of more fun sessions up front for folks who scan your website.

    Reply

  310. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people think about worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

    Reply

  313. I was just looking for this information for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your website. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Generally the top websites are full of garbage.

    Reply

  314. Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

    Reply

  315. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

    Reply

  317. Thanks, I’ve recently been searching for info about this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have came upon till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the source?

    Reply

  319. Terrific paintings! This is the type of information that are meant to be shared around the internet. Shame on the search engines for now not positioning this publish upper! Come on over and visit my web site . Thank you =)

    Reply

  321. you are in reality a just right webmaster. The site loading velocity is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. Also, The contents are masterwork. you’ve performed a wonderful activity on this matter!

    Reply

  323. I like this web site very much, Its a real nice situation to read and incur information. “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” by John Andrew Holmes.

    Reply

  325. Just desire to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is just nice and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.

    Reply

  327. I simply had to thank you very much once more. I am not sure the things I might have done without the entire techniques shared by you regarding such area. It was a very difficult circumstance in my circumstances, however , considering the very expert way you managed that forced me to cry with fulfillment. I am just happy for this information as well as pray you comprehend what a great job your are providing instructing some other people thru your websites. I am certain you’ve never encountered any of us.

    Reply

  330. I think other website proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and great user genial style and design, let alone the content. You’re an expert in this topic!

    Reply

  331. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a tremendous website.

    Reply

  332. On the goal of teaching beginners to choose their first ball jointed dolls, provide you with
    more help you figure out the right bjd dolls that you except expensive price.

    He helped her change her mind from relocating to an apartment with her best friend and instead stated that should live together or
    even just begin productive . buying several things.

    They had only been dating three months at this point.

    Wrapped up in his charm, she missed the signs of stalking and also his process of isolating the girls.
    You could become a stylist and hairdresser. Pretend that Barbie’s attending
    a really important red carpet premiere. Grab gowns and dresses from the virtual closet and combination accessories and shoes.
    The possibilities are simply endless and you would love to experiment almost all of
    of them. Here’s one example I’m sure you can relate in the market to.

    You go out to see a movie with your girl and each of a sudden it starts raining.

    is actually just wearing a sexy dress she chose intentionally to a person her lovely
    body. Manage she wants from you can? Are you hosting an event?
    Or do having an invite to an event? In the cases, this really is very
    vital you find out about high quality content . and sexiest party attires.
    The fantastic thing about outfits simply because
    are versatile with kids wardrobe. Beneficial worn for a single outfit,
    as underclothes, or be also used being a shirt with pants or shorts.

    You can also put babies girl skirt over a one-piece outfit
    to make it look as a dress! May also be worn with
    socks and shoes or barefoot, with a hat or with jogging
    pants to have their legs sizzling hot. You can create multi-colored outfits and
    save a fortune on baby clothes expenditure. 3) The evening dinner is crucial
    meal of your day for most people. It’s a real kick when a person sit and also relax probably the most during the day.

    Reply

  334. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

    Reply

  335. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

    Reply

  336. I am not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this information for my mission.

    Reply

  341. Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

    Reply

  343. Thank you for every one of your effort on this website. Kim takes pleasure in getting into research and it is easy to understand why. We all hear all regarding the dynamic means you create rewarding information via this web site and as well recommend response from other ones on this area of interest and our own simple princess is certainly discovering so much. Have fun with the rest of the year. You’re conducting a useful job.

    Reply

  346. Nice blog here! Also your web site quite a bit up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate link to your host? I want my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol.

    Reply

  348. Aw, this is an extremely good post. In thought I would like to put in place writing in this way moreover – spending time and actual effort to generate a top notch article… but exactly what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no indicates often go completed.

    Reply

  350. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

    Reply

  351. I am only writing to let you be aware of of the brilliant experience our girl found studying your blog. She picked up a wide variety of details, not to mention what it’s like to have a great giving mindset to make certain people without problems gain knowledge of specific tricky things. You undoubtedly did more than our expected results. Many thanks for supplying those necessary, dependable, informative and also unique guidance on this topic to Julie.

    Reply

  352. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

    Reply

  353. Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clearness in your post is just excellent and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

    Reply

  356. Awsome info and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you people have any ideea where to get some professional writers? Thanks in advance 🙂

    Reply

  376. I simply want to say I’m very new to blogs and actually enjoyed this web blog. Almost certainly I’m going to bookmark your site . You amazingly have amazing article content. Cheers for sharing your blog.

    Reply

  417. To be sure completely along with your conclusions and imagine that you’ve made some excellent points. Also, I prefer customized for specific cultures of this site and also the easy navigation. I’ve bookmarked your site and may return often!

    Reply

  438. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

    Reply

  442. Thanks for any other fantastic post. Where else may just anybody get that type of information in such a perfect method of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the search for such info.

    Reply

  443. Thank you for every other excellent article. Where else may anyone get that type of info in such a perfect method of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such information.

    Reply

  444. I do consider all the concepts you’ve offered on your post. They’re very convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are too brief for starters. May you please prolong them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.

    Reply

  469. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.

    Reply

  476. Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and web and this is really frustrating. A good website with exciting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

    Reply

  505. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

    Reply

  564. I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?

    Reply

  567. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

    Reply

  569. I do agree with all of the ideas you’ve offered in your post. They’re very convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are very quick for starters. May just you please lengthen them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.

    Reply