MedBlock: A Blockchain-Based Framework for Consent Management in Healthcare Systems

Abstract

Healthcare data management faces significant challenges related to security, privacy, and patient autonomy in an increasingly digital environment. This research introduces MedBlock, a decentralized blockchain-based framework designed to revolutionize consent management in healthcare systems. The study addresses fundamental limitations in traditional Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, including centralized vulnerabilities, inefficient data sharing mechanisms, and inadequate patient control over medical records. Using a hybrid architecture that combines Ethereum blockchain with off-chain storage solutions (IPFS and MongoDB), MedBlock enables patients to dynamically grant, modify, and revoke access to their medical records in real-time. The implementation incorporates AES-256-GCM encryption to ensure confidentiality and tamper-proof storage of off-chain medical data, while Solidity smart contracts provide immutable and transparent logging of consent transactions. Performance evaluation demonstrates that the system successfully balances security requirements with scalability considerations by optimizing storage utilization and reducing blockchain network gas costs. The research contributes to healthcare informatics by introducing a patient-centric model that enhances data security while maintaining regulatory compliance and improving usability through modern frontend frameworks. MedBlock represents a significant advancement in decentralized healthcare data management, providing a viable alternative to traditional consent systems that empowers patients while ensuring the integrity and security of sensitive medical information.