Web-Based EMR Backup With Blockchain for Downtime Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Healthcare facilities face significant challenges during network outages due to ransomware attacks, which disrupt EMR systems, leading to operational inefficiencies, increased costs, and potential loss of life, as traditional backup methods are prone to contamination and require excessive storage and processing resources.
Innovation Solution
A web-based EMR backup system that operates outside the main network, using a blockchain to securely store and manage EMR data, allowing continuous access and rapid reintegration post-outage, maintaining operational continuity and data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional data replication backup method is used, then backup capability is provided, but storage capacity and processing power requirements increase drastically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cryptographic hashing to create a compact representation of EMR data instead of storing full data copies. The hash function transforms large volumes of medical record data into small, fixed-size hash values that can be stored efficiently while still providing verification capability for data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of storing multiple full backup images with a cryptographic verification system. Instead of physically replicating and storing redundant data copies, the system uses hash functions and blockchain technology to verify data integrity with minimal storage requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple backup images are stored to increase likelihood of clean backup, then reliability improves, but storage capacity and processing power increase drastically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates cryptographic hashes of backup data and stores these compact representations on a blockchain. This allows verification of backup integrity without storing multiple full backup images, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cryptographic hash function as an intermediary between the backup system and verification process. The hash acts as a mediator that provides proof of data integrity without requiring the actual backup data to be replicated and stored multiple times.
3Productivity
If EMR system is accessed during network outage, then operational continuity is maintained, but data contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cryptographic hashing of EMR data before network outages occur. By pre-computing and storing hash values on the blockchain, the system establishes a baseline for data integrity that can be used to verify backups during outages, preventing contamination while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where cryptographic hashes are continuously verified against blockchain records. This feedback loop allows the system to detect and prevent data contamination by comparing current data states against previously verified hash values, even during network outages.
4Reliability
If ransomware attack prevention is prioritized, then data security improves, but operational flexibility during outages decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates cryptographic copies (hashes) of EMR data that can be verified independently of the main system. These hash representations provide security verification capability that operates independently, allowing operational flexibility during outages while maintaining data security through cryptographic validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cryptographic hash verification as an intermediary layer between security protocols and operational systems. This intermediary allows the system to maintain security postures while providing operational flexibility, as the hash verification can occur independently without requiring full system connectivity or complex security negotiations.
Data Source
AI summary
The web-based EMR backup system empowers Healthcare facility administrators by building cyber resilience to ransomware threats, data breaches, power outages, or planned downtimes. A web-based EMR backup process is provided in embodiments of the invention, enabling administrators to activate a web-based EMR system in the event of a debilitating cyber-attack, power outage, or planned downtime, that allows healthcare professionals to maintain their daily workflow using the web-based EMR backup system in order to maintain business continuity and clinical resiliency. The web-based EMR system minimizes the risks that would arise due to errors generated because of traditional record keeping methods, such as manual record keeping, while also maintaining the workflow efficiencies modern EMR systems provide. The web-based EMR backup system synchronizes any changes made during the cyber-threat, power outage, or planned downtime once the main EMR is restored to ensure data consistency and provide significant financial savings by preventing the need to reconcile the two databases by hand.