Blockchain is literally defined as a chain of blocks and is usually associated with cryptocurrency issues, when this is just one of its applications. The crux of this topic is that each block must store a specific number of valid records; information inherent to that block and especially a link that communicates it with the previous block and the next block. It is a kind of unique ID or signature for each block.
These chains are already being exploited by medical specialists and we have brilliant examples of this. Few know but FLETA in South Korea developed such a robust blockchain platform that it was key in controlling the first hint of the outbreak during this pandemic. With unique data management intertwined to determine cases, infections by contact and geographical area, it helped the government take measures to monitor and assist those infected by the virus in a timely manner. The best thing about this platform is that its data is decentralized and freely accessible to researchers, doctors, public bodies or anyone who needs to use it.
Mexico did the same with a platform called “Prescrypto” that allows connections to be used to create medical files, patient history, prepare medical prescriptions and, in particular, remotely control the evolution of the patient from anywhere.
Currently we think that temperature, headache and throat are clear signs of the beginning of an ugly disease, leading us to search incessantly for an efficient remedy. Applying Data Driven to this same case, the message is unquestionable: you will be preventing BEFORE that disease worsens. Why? Because we will know in advance what has to be changed so that it does not happen and if it happens, we will have all the information in a matter of seconds to assign a bed, make diagnoses, generate personalized treatments and improve survival rates.
Currently the medical world and the sea of data that it generates every day, lack analysis and its adequate repository. The priority of technology companies, authorities and private entities should be to give order and structure to the information that we have available and then link it to wearables and have a complete picture. Let’s not make the mistake of viewing this need as a long-term project, this should be seen as an immediate action capable of being carried out as quickly as possible since the pandemic has shown us how unprepared we are.