A groundbreaking research study led by Shoeb Ali Syed of the University of the Cumberlands introduces a novel blockchain-based framework poised to transform the landscape of electronic health records (EHRs). His peer-reviewed paper, “Blockchain Enabled Approach to Secure and Scalable Patient E-Health Data,” outlines a decentralized system architecture prioritizes security and scalability. This research, published in IRE Journals, Volume 8, Issue 9 (March 2025), aims to empower patients with greater control over their medical data while addressing the chronic vulnerabilities associated with centralized healthcare systems.
A New Era for Patient-Centric Data Control
Traditional healthcare infrastructures depend on centralized databases and antiquated communication tools, such as fax machines and unsecured email exchanges, leaving sensitive data vulnerable to breaches and inefficiencies. Syed’s model seeks to overcome these flaws by introducing the Blockchain-Based Trusted Healthcare Network (BTHN). This architecture uses blockchain and the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) to manage and secure patient data.
Under BTHN, patients retain control of their personal health information. Access to EHRs is granted through role-based and attribute-based access control mechanisms, managed via Ethereum smart contracts. These contracts record transactions immutably, ensuring that every access request is transparent, traceable, and subject to explicit patient consent.
“The existing healthcare systems rely heavily on centralized repositories and outdated communication like fax and email, which expose critical data to breaches and delays,” said Syed. “By introducing blockchain and decentralized storage, our proposed solution ensures high availability, privacy, and near-zero latency in data access.”
Core Technologies and System Architecture
The proposed system is built upon a robust technological stack designed to facilitate decentralized, real-time data interactions. At the backend, Ethereum-based smart contracts written in Solidity enforce access policies and log events on the blockchain. The front end is powered by React.js, while Node.js supports the application’s backend services.
The framework is tested in a local development environment using Hardhat, an Ethereum development tool that simulates blockchain conditions. Real-time performance testing revealed transaction latency as low as 0.06 milliseconds, indicating suitability for rapid data processing environments, such as emergency care or telemedicine.
A unique feature of the system is its hybrid storage model. While patient records are stored in encrypted form on IPFS, only the hash of each file—essentially a digital fingerprint—is saved on the blockchain. This approach ensures the integrity of the data while minimizing storage costs and maintaining compliance with data protection laws.
Encryption and Data Protection
Security is integral to BTHN’s design. Data is encrypted using a master key before it enters IPFS, protecting it from interception or misuse. The model also incorporates multiple layers of cryptographic defense, including Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), homomorphic encryption, which allows computations on encrypted data, and Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) to secure operations at the hardware level.
Furthermore, an OTP-based approval system is implemented for added verification. Whenever a healthcare provider or third party attempts to access a patient’s medical history, the patient receives a one-time password for authentication. Access is granted only upon patient confirmation, reinforcing user sovereignty over sensitive information.
Regulatory Compliance and Future Integration
In addition to technological innovation, the study aligns closely with healthcare regulatory standards such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. These standards demand rigorous protection of personal health information and patient consent protocols, both of which are addressed by BTHN.
To future-proof the system, Syed proposes several enhancements, including integration with Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) to improve compatibility with existing EHR systems. The platform may also adopt zero-knowledge proofs to validate transactions without revealing personal data and embed artificial intelligence modules for clinical decision support and anomaly detection.
Peer Recognition and Industry Impact
This research adds to Syed’s growing body of work in the field of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. In 2024, he received an award for his previous publication, “AI-Driven Detection of Phishing Attacks Through Multimodal Analysis of Content and Design,” which advanced phishing detection using AI-based multimodal analysis. This award underscored his commitment to leveraging technology for improving digital safety and resilience.
His expertise is further recognized through his role as a board member of the International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer and Communication Engineering (IJIRCCE) and as a peer reviewer for both IJIRCCE and the International Journal of Science and Research Archive (IJSRA). Through these roles, Syed actively contributes to the academic and research communities, ensuring rigorous standards and encouraging innovation in the domains of cybersecurity and health informatics.
Toward Real-World Implementation
While the theoretical and technical foundation of the BTHN system is solid, Syed emphasizes the importance of pilot projects with real healthcare institutions. These pilots aim to evaluate usability, user satisfaction, data accuracy, and consent flow in clinical settings. Particular attention will be paid to how patients from diverse demographic backgrounds interact with the platform, helping ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
The pilot phase will also allow feedback loops between developers, medical practitioners, and patients. These interactions will refine user interfaces, streamline onboarding processes, and optimize transaction processing under real-world loads. If successful, BTHN could serve as a template for national and international health information exchange systems.
A Paradigm Shift in Healthcare Technology
As blockchain technology continues to evolve, its applications are expanding beyond finance into fields such as education, logistics, and public governance. In healthcare, where data sensitivity and accuracy are paramount, the stakes are particularly high. This study presents a persuasive case for embracing blockchain to fortify digital infrastructure, reduce operational bottlenecks, and return agency to patients.
The model introduced by Syed is not only technically sound but also socially impactful. Addressing trust, transparency, and security in one cohesive system offers a scalable solution that is adaptable across healthcare systems of various sizes and complexities.
About the Author
Shoeb Ali Syed is a doctoral candidate in information technology at the University of the Cumberlands, with an academic focus on cybersecurity, blockchain solutions, and artificial intelligence. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed papers and actively contributes to editorial boards and review panels of prominent research journals. Syed’s dedication to merging technological innovation with practical solutions is evident in his publications and community engagement. His goal is to make cutting-edge technology accessible, secure, and beneficial for society at large. His research portfolio is available on Google Scholar.
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Learn more about Shoeb Ali Syed on LinkedIn.
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