A Mechanism for Verifying the Integrity and Immutability of Tuberculosis Data Using IOTA Distributed Ledger Technology

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2021 May 7:279:130-135. doi: 10.3233/SHTI210099.

Abstract

Background: Intensified research and innovation and rapid uptake of new tools, interventions, and strategies are crucial to fight Tuberculosis, the world's deadliest infectious disease. The sharing of health data remains a significant challenge. Data consumers must be able to verify the consistency and integrity of data. Solutions based on distributed ledger technologies may be adequate, where each member in a network holds a unique credential and stores an identical copy of the ledger and contributes to the collective process of validating and certifying digital transactions.

Objectives: This work proposes a mechanism and presents a use case in Digital Health to allow the verification of integrity and immutability of TB electronic health records.

Methods: IOTA was selected as a supporting tool due to its data immutability, traceability and tamper-proof characteristics.

Results: A mechanism to verify the integrity of data through hash functions and the IOTA network is proposed. Then, a set of TB related information systems was integrated with the network.

Conclusion: IOTA technology offers performance and flexibility to enable a reliable environment for electronic health records.

Keywords: Computer Security; Electronic Health Records; Health Informatics; Tuberculosis.

MeSH terms

  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Electronic Health Records*
  • Humans
  • Technology
  • Tuberculosis* / prevention & control