Recently, researchers in University of California, San Francisco have proposed a prototype using blockchain-based technology to share clinical data.

According to a published article on international research journal Nature on February 22th, this system aims to make data collected in the clinical trial process immutable, traceable, and potentially more trustworthy. The system is expected to improve the way adverse events are reported.

The researchers have develop a web-based portal clinical trial for all parties to access. By providing a real clinical trial dataset, the portal can facilitate and verify the interaction between patient and clinical investigator. It then speeds up the adverse event reporting process via blockchain technology and tests data attacks.

The report also gave further explanation about the transaction details. When a transaction is performed, all of its associated data will be recorded onto a new block and hashed using an algorithm called SHA256.

When a user needs to edit the present information on the blockchain or correct a mistake, the user can submit a new transaction with the corrected date but without overwriting the old ones. By doing this, users can be assure that any modifications to their files made by others will be recorded and can not be changed separately.

Blockchain technology is gaining more attraction in the academic environment. Recently, a major university in China has announced the opening of a new blockchain research center.

Blockchain is also recognised as an innovative method to apply in health-related industry. In this month, United States-based insurance Aeta has reportedly collaborated with IBM for a blockchain system aiming to cut costs and enhance transaction efficiency.