Global life science research and development nonprofit the Pistoia Alliance has begun the next phase of its blockchain project.
The Pistoia Alliance plans to explore three areas blockchain has potential to improve:
- Data identity — validating where and whom data has come from
- Data integrity — ensuring data hasn't been tampered with
- Data sharing — within and between organizations
Healthcare organizations are at different stages of blockchain strategies and knowledge. A 2018 study on the biggest barriers to the adoption of blockchain by the alliance found the majority (55 percent) didn't have access to skilled professionals. Sixteen percent said blockchain was too difficult to understand.
“There are still many misconceptions about blockchain in the life science industry that we need to work hard to overcome,” said Jake Dreier, blockchain project manager and consultant for the alliance. “Unfortunately, people’s perceptions have led to some organizations completely avoiding blockchain technology, and many others unsure of how it can benefit them."
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