While integrating blockchain and wearables offers exciting potential, real-world implementation faces challenges. Technical obstacles include scaling blockchain platforms for massive health data, ensuring interoperability with legacy systems, and developing practical smart contract-based care protocols. Legal and regulatory frameworks must be developed to guide privacy, security, accountability, and efficacy standards. User adoption and change management hurdles must also be addressed as both patients and healthcare providers adjust to new technologies and processes. Partnerships between technologists, policymakers, and clinicians will be critical to surmount these barriers. With thoughtful collaboration, blockchain and wearables could make the vision of smarter, more responsive healthcare a reality.
Citation: Heston, T.F., 2018. Introductory Chapter: Making Health Care Smart. In: Heston, T.F. (ed.) eHealth - Making Health Care Smarter. London: InTechOpen, pp.1-7. https://www.intechopen.com/books/6653