Bitcoin Global News (BGN)
February 11, 2019 -- ADVFN Crypto NewsWire -- Some of the most
basic benefits of a cryptographically secure blockchain based
network could prove to revolutionize the healthcare industry. The
integrity of physical medical devices and substances used for
treatment can be validated in the same way the companies are using
blockchain technology to validate the supply chain of consumer
goods to prevent counterfeit products. And in the same way that
this data validation is used for transactions of monetary value or
other property, it can be used to ensure that patient medical
records and treatment history are being properly transferred and
updated.
The Pistoia Alliance was founded in
2009 by representatives of AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis and Pfizer
after meeting at a medical conference in Pistoia, Italy. Currently
there are more than 100 member companies. The group believes that
the medical industry deservces the strongest research and
development, and that this is only made possible by a shared
effort:
“The Pistoia Alliance’s projects
help to overcome common obstacles to innovation and to transform
R&D – whether identifying the root causes of inefficiencies,
working with regulators to adopt new standards, or helping
researchers implement AI effectively.”
Blockchain Technology
Applications
In June of last year, thre of the
affiliated organizations launched a blockchain network to create
“Personal Care Pathways.” Guardtime. Instant Access Medical and
Healthcare Gateway launched the Personal Care Record Platform,
“MyPCR” uses the cryptographic nature of blockchain networks for
securely transferring medical records and patients’ consent to
particular treatments. Delivering this information electronically
and at a large scale was not previously possible because there was
not secure mechanism with the capabilities of blockchain
network.
“Medication adherence is the best
way to ensure positive health outcomes for patients at the earliest
opportunity and an essential tool in combating rising medical
costs. Over 30 million patients can benefit from this platform
immediately, in the knowledge their data is safe and secure
conforming to the very latest standards for data privacy, security
and Integrity.” - Guardtime Health general manager Glen
Ogden
Research Fueling
Development
The Pistoia Alliance conducts
surveys of their affiliated organizations and their patients in
order to develop the best course of research and pilot programs.
The group is actively engaging the benefits of blockchain
technology, but looked into why the technology isn’t spreading
faster. Their survey found that blockchain technology interest is
present, but being held up by lack of access to to skilled
personnel. They have now turned their efforts toward educating the
medical industry on the emerging technology.
“Much of the industry is still at
the ‘discussion’ stage of blockchain, we want to move beyond this
and take action that actively supports members and leads to
tangible outcomes that will benefit R&D, accelerate innovation
and support the discovery of new treatments.” - Pistoia Alliance
President, Steve Arlington.
By: BGN Editorial Staff