Blockchain-Enabled Patient Record Systems in Maxillofacial Surgery: Enhancing Security and Operational Efficiency in Dental Care Management

Abstract

The new possibilities of blockchain technology are finding its way to provide a solution to long-standing issues with regards to the management of electronic health records (EHRs) specifically in relatively narrow areas where it is utilized, like maxillofacial surgery. This paper looks into the implementation of blockchain-powered patient record systems within the areas of dental care and maxillofacial treatment so that data integrity, enhanced security and best working functions can be achieved. Three multi-specialty dental hospitals located in India were chosen to pilot a permissioned blockchain architecture that would make use of patient case records, imaging, and surgical history. Blockchain adoption was compared in terms of access latency, record consistency, and administrative efficiency of the pre and post adoption stage of the system. Outcomes revealed evidences of 42 percent decrease in efficiency of retrieving information, significant decline in cases of unauthorized access, and enhanced teamwork across disciplines of dental care experts. This cross-functional study is an amalgamation of on-ground, audits of clinical data with system-level performance analytics, and shows the potential of blockchain to transform the sector of dental care by increasing confidence and performance within ecosystems..