Blockchain Match-Cohort Identification Using Hashed Patient Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing healthcare entity systems face challenges in determining a match-cohort of patient data from multiple entities without exposing sensitive information and in coordinating effective communications with patients, as they require extensive agreements and security reviews, and lack efficient methods for continuous updates and rule-based communication management.
Innovation Solution
The method involves applying a hash function to sensitive information to produce non-reversible hash values, which are stored in a blockchain database accessible to multiple entity systems, allowing for the determination of match-cohorts without exposing sensitive data and enabling encrypted data exchange with only intended recipients, along with rule-based coordination of communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If healthcare entities exchange protected healthcare information (PHI) to determine match-cohort, then the match-cohort can be identified, but sensitive patient information is exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential identifying elements (hash values of patient data) from the full PHI, allowing match-cohort identification without exposing actual patient information. Entities exchange hashed identifiers rather than complete PHI records, separating the identification function from the sensitive data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary system that mediates the match-cohort determination process. The blockchain stores and verifies hashed patient identifiers without exposing underlying PHI, acting as a trusted intermediary that enables collaboration while maintaining privacy through cryptographic protection.
2Reliability
If healthcare entities conduct security reviews and enter agreements before data sharing, then data security is improved, but the process complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cryptographic preparation by pre-hashing patient identifiers and pre-establishing blockchain-based trust mechanisms before any data exchange occurs. This preliminary action creates a secure framework that eliminates the need for extensive runtime security reviews and agreements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual security reviews, legal agreements, and administrative coordination with an automated cryptographic and blockchain-based system. Trust is established through mathematical proofs and distributed ledger verification rather than human review processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If healthcare entities periodically repeat the match-cohort determination process, then updated match-cohorts are identified, but time and computational resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a continuous blockchain-based system where hashed patient identifiers are continuously available and can be queried at any time. Rather than periodic batch processing, the system maintains an always-on, continuously updateable match-cohort determination capability through the immutable ledger.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary hashing and storage of patient identifiers in the blockchain in advance, so that future match-cohort determinations can be performed by simply querying existing hashes rather than reprocessing raw data. This preliminary preparation enables rapid, repeated queries without redundant computation.
4Ease of operation
If healthcare entities coordinate communications with match-cohort patients, then communication effectiveness improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal blockchain-based coordination layer that serves multiple functions: match-cohort identification, communication coordination, and rule-based decision making. This single multi-functional system replaces multiple separate coordination mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the determination of match-cohorts and secure, rule-based communication coordination among healthcare entities without exposing sensitive information, reducing the need for business agreements and security reviews, and enabling continuous updates and efficient data exchange.
Implementation Method 1
applying a hash function to sensitive information to produce non-reversible hash values
Implementation Method 2
blockchain database is accessible to the multiple entity systems that have different information for at least some of the same served entities
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, computing system and computer program product are provided. A first entity system that stores sensitive information associated with different entities applies a hash function a portion of the sensitive information to produce hash values. Transaction information pertaining to transactions performed on entity systems are stored within a blockchain database accessible to the entity systems. The transaction information includes hash values corresponding to associated entities from the entity systems. The hash values of the first entity system are compared to the hash values from others of the entity systems to determine entity systems containing information pertaining to same entities. The sensitive information for an entity of the first entity system is exchanged with the determined entity systems containing information for that entity.