Overcoming technical barriers in healthcare with blockchain: A systematic review
Journal
Informatics in Medicine Unlocked
Date Issued
2026-03
Author(s)
Costa, Diana
Coelho, Paulo Jorge
Albuquerque, Carlos
Pires, Ivan Miguel
Gouveia, António Jorge
DOI
10.1016/j.imu.2026.101741
Abstract
The rising digitalization of healthcare has increased reliance on complex information systems, creating the need for better integration and interoperability. Despite technology developments, healthcare organizations still confront technical challenges that restrict data transmission, scalability, and secure information sharing. This systematic review highlights important technological challenges to healthcare information system integration and examines the potential of blockchain technology to address them. Following PRISMA principles, a structured search of PubMed and Scopus revealed 24 peer-reviewed studies published from 2020 to 2024. The investigation suggests that interoperability restrictions, lack of data and language standardization, scalability challenges, cybersecurity hazards, and insufficient technical expertise are the most significant hurdles. Evidence suggests that blockchain technology can increase data integrity, security, and regulated interoperability through decentralized and permissioned systems. However, obstacles persist involving technical complexity, regulatory compliance, energy consumption, and organizational readiness. This paper highlights current knowledge on technical integration hurdles in healthcare and presents evidence-based insights on the potential role of blockchain in allowing interoperable, safe, and sustainable healthcare information systems.
Subjects