What Does It Mean for a Network to Be Decentralized, and How Is It Beneficial for Storing Electronic Health Records and Data?

With the growth of Bitcoin as the first very popular cryptocurrency came the rise in popularity of blockchain technology. It may seem as if blockchain technology is used in the same discussion as almost everything nowadays, including health, currency, social media, security, etc. However, this is for very good reason.

One of the main features of blockchain technology is its decentralization. Essentially, decentralization does not require information to be passed through a single point. Companies such as Google and Facebook that require massive amounts of data use centralized networks, since all information passes through a single point – meaning all of this information can be monitored. Since it can be monitored and easily accessed, it by nature provides much less privacy than a decentralized network.

Blockchain technology is a decentralized network that requires many computers (or points in the network) for it to work. It allows for great privacy because once information is recorded it cannot be modified in any way. Additionally, it is nearly impossible for the blockchain network to be hacked, unless a hacker is able to hack every computer on the network at the exact same time.

It may be easy to see why such a secured network is ideal for storing things such as electronic health records and other medical data. Not only could they be accessible to individuals on their “point” in the network (or computer), but we can be rest assured that the data will be anonymous and will not be tampered with. NWP Solution is using blockchain technology in their platform, which allows for a great competitive advantage and ability to truly transform the way data is collected and electronic health records are kept.