Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in Healthcare: A Systematic Review

Tiago Nunes (), Paulo Rupino da Cunha, João Mendes de Abreu, Joana Duarte and Ana Corte-Real
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Tiago Nunes: Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Paulo Rupino da Cunha: Centre for Informatics and Systems of the University of Coimbra (CISUC), Department of Informatics Engineering, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
João Mendes de Abreu: Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Joana Duarte: Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics (LAETA-PROA), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Ana Corte-Real: Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 8, 1-27

Abstract: Amid global health challenges, resilient health systems require continuous innovation and progress. Stakeholders highlight the critical role of digital technologies in accelerating this progress. However, the digital health field faces significant challenges, including the sensitivity of health data, the absence of evidence-based standards, data governance issues, and a lack of evidence on the impact of digital health strategies. Overcoming these challenges is crucial to unlocking the full potential of digital health innovations in enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes. Prioritizing security and privacy is essential in developing digital health solutions that are transparent, accessible, and effective. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have gained widespread attention, including in healthcare, offering innovative solutions and addressing challenges through blockchain technology. This paper addresses the gap in systematic-level studies on NFT applications in healthcare, aiming to comprehensively analyze use cases and associated research challenges. The search included primary studies published between 2014 and November 2023, searching in a balanced set of databases compiling articles from different fields. A review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework and strictly focusing on research articles related to NFT applications in the healthcare sector. The electronic search retrieved 1902 articles, ultimately resulting in 15 articles for data extraction. These articles span applications of NFTs in medical devices, pathology exams, diagnosis, pharmaceuticals, and other healthcare domains, highlighting their potential to eliminate centralized trust sources in health informatics. The review emphasizes the adaptability and versatility of NFT-based solutions, indicating their broader applicability across various healthcare stages and expansion into diverse industries. Given their role in addressing challenges associated with enhancing data integrity, availability, non-repudiation, and authentication, NFTs remain a promising avenue for future research within digital health solutions.

Keywords: blockchain; non-fungible tokens; digital health; medical informatics; electronic health records (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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