The research initiative seeks to determine whether blockchain, which is known for its accountability and security, can be leveraged for secure, patient-controlled data sharing, including the exchange of data from sources like EMRs, clinical trials, genomic data, wearables and the Internet of Things. For example, consumers may be able to use blockchain technology to share data from wearables with researchers and providers, which could help facilitate developments in public health.
FDA and IBM Watson Health, which will focus their initial research on oncology data, plan to share their preliminary findings in 2017.
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