SecureRx: A blockchain-based framework for an electronic prescription system with opioids tracking

Objectives: The proposed research aims at attaining several objectives. To start with, it assesses the limitations associated with the current electronic prescription systems. Accordingly, it proposes a proactive method for providing real-time monitoring to prevent overdose prescriptions. The proposed approach should ensure that health providers have access to a comprehensive dataset without state or geographical limitations. More importantly, the research aims to improve drug monitoring to enhance accountability and trust, which are central to promoting drug legitimacy. Methods: A blockchain-based framework for secure, interoperable, and efficient access to prescription records. The proposed solution, SecureRx, is a web-based application developed on the Ethereum blockchain and RxCheck hub. Results: Based on the evaluation results, SecureRx is functional as it allows health providers to verify patient history and make informed decisions regarding whether to prescribe opioids. The proposed solution exhibits adequate scalability and handles transactions quickly when the number of nodes is reduced. It is also robust and secure, supports HIPAA compliance, and requires minimal operational expenses. Conclusions: The safe utilization of medications, especially opioids, continues to be a major problem in the United States and around the world. Part of the reason for this is the inability of health providers to access health databases for patients. Current drug prescription systems are limited in terms of tracking the usage of prescription drugs. The SecureRx framework has highlighted the potential of the record-keeping technology to nurture effective and efficient sharing of information about prescriptions while ensuring the safety and privacy of the original sources of the data.

Automated summary

The research aims to address limitations of current electronic prescription systems and proposes a proactive method for real-time monitoring to prevent overdose prescriptions. Through the blockchain-based framework SecureRx, drug monitoring can be improved to enhance accountability and trust while ensuring safety and privacy.