An open distributed ledger system, blockchain records digital transactions and offers the potential to disruptively transform the way we conduct biomedical research, provide health care, and perform economic transactions. This expert review provides the overarching background, key definitions, prospects and socio-technical challenges at the intersection of blockchain and digital health. In addition, we discuss the tenets of next-generation technology policy for blockchain, drawing from the field of responsible innovation.
Keywords: blockchain; critical policy studies; digital health; emerging technology governance; responsible innovation; technology and society.