ABSTRACT
This research examined the blockchain-based record system and its potential effect on Nigeria's radiology sector. Relevant conceptual, theoretical and empirical literature was reviewed. A total of 100 respondents selected purposefully from five healthcare centres in Lagos State were used for the study. A questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. The descriptive and analytical approach was adopted using Chi-square to test and analyze the hypotheses earlier stated.Findings of the study revealed that there is a significant effect of blockchain-based record system on radiology sector in Nigeria. The finding of the study also reveals that lack of professionals and expertise to operate the blockchain record system is one of the issues associated with blockchain-based record system in the radiology sector in Nigeria. Findings of the present study also reveals that data sharing and interoperability is one of the issues associated with blockchain-based record system in the radiology sector in Nigeria. The findings of the study also reveal that there is a significant relationship between blockchain-based record system and radiology Health sector in Nigeria. The finding of the study also reveals that lack of collaboration among various stakeholders is one of the issues associated with blockchain-based record system in the radiology sector in Nigeria. The findings of the study reveal that Storing information of an individual patient is one of the significant applications of blockchain-based record system in the radiology sector in Nigeria. It was therefore concluded that blockchain record bas system significantly have effect on radiology health sector in Nigeria. It was recommended that Nigeria government should provide facilities and systems to every hospitals specifically in the radiology department so as to help take to record all the information and biodata of the patients.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The healthcare sector is described as a conventional one that is resistive to novel techniques and extremely inflexible to measure owing to the realities of change. Healthcare-related issues, such as privacy, treatment quality, and information security, have gained attention in recent years on a global scale (Yaqoob et al., 2021). Blockchain technologies are being recognized more and more as a solution to solve current problems with information dissemination. It may enhance the provision of immediate healthcare services and support for excellent treatment, for instance (Ekblaw et al., 2016). Blockchain technology in healthcare is predicted to generate over 42 million in value and reach a compound annual growth rate of 71.8% by 2023, according to a recent report by Market Research Future (MRFR). The innate blockchain qualities of decentralized ledger technology with better transparency, improved security and privacy, higher traceability, boosted efficiency, and decreased costs are what fuel this rapid expansion (Dagher et al., 2018).
Blockchain is defined in a way that depends on the context, and it is thought to be a significant industry disruptor (De Santis et al., 2018).For instance, the blockchain is described as a growing collection of records, commonly referred to as blocks, that are linked together using cryptography in a way that promotes transparency and security and forbids modifications (Deloitte, 2018). Through the elimination of costs and privacy concerns, improving coverage and quality, and enabling user provision of healthcare, technology can help to improve health service delivery and quality of care support (Gordon & Catalini, 2018). One advantage of using blockchain, which is based on peer-to-peer networks, is that it updates in real-time, eliminating the need for intermediaries and the associated costs. Due to its resistance to changes, blockchain provides a transparent environment where both patients and healthcare professionals can access records seemingly, make payments and without additional fees. It also improves system security by decreasing the likelihood of lost records and mistakes (Benchoufi, 2017). Blockchain technology serves as a third party in these systems, in this regard. Existing research (Clark, 2017; Ghosh, 2016; Adrian et al., 2014) indicates that the financial system has a number of financial intermediaries. Globally, the financial system facilitates billions of traditional financial transactions, but far fewer are conducted through electronic payments (Kallugudde et al., 2020). Because the current intermediaries are expensive, stressful and time-consuming, the Nigeria's general health record system is still inneficient.
Without a question, blockchain technology offers a number of benefits for a variety of industries, thanks to its unique services including irreversible, transparent, and decentralized technology (Andoni et al., 2019). To assure dependability, security, and protection, the majority of organizations are focusing on integrating blockchain technology with their services (Treiblmaier et al., 2020). However, because blockchain is linked to cryptocurrencies, it has some issues like reputation issues, energy costs, and environmental costs. Technically speaking, blockchain technology is not yet developed, lacks scalability, interoperability, complex technology, and blockchain talent (DeVries, 2016).
The majority of corporate sectors, including those in medical, banking, education, and finance, are uninformed of blockchain technology, and there is a lack of user experience, education, concern of security and privacy, and regulatory oversight of blockchain technology (Janssen et al., 2020). Blockchain, according to (Joshi et al., 2016), has a negative reputation since it is overly associated with cryptocurrency. As cryptocurrencies have a bad reputation that is surrounded by many hackers and fraudsters, they are increasingly often employing developing technology for illegal activities. As a result, most corporate sectors are hesitant to utilize blockchain technology due to the negative perception of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Healthcare is regarded as a traditional sector that is difficult to measure due to the realities of change and resistant to novel approaches. In recent years, concerns about healthcare (such as privacy, care quality, and information security) have received attention on a global scale. As a tool to address current problems with information distribution, blockchain technologies are becoming more widely accepted (De Santis et al., 2018). It might enhance current healthcare procedures, such as enhancing the provision of health services and care support for quality. Blockchain technology in healthcare is predicted to create over 42 million in value and achieve a compound annual growth rate of 71.8% by 2023, according to a recent analysis by Market Research Future (MRFR).
While a growing number of industry sectors have started using blockchain technology in their business process, the adoption of blockchain-based platforms is still slow in the healthcare sector. According to previous studies, blockchain features such as decentralization, immutability, transparency, and traceability are proposed to improve healthcare data management (e.g., storage, exchange, and access) (Yaqoob et al., 2021). Nevertheless, very few blockchain projects have been officially launched in the healthcare ecosystem, and many suggestions still remain in the research and examination phase (Abu-Elezz et al., 2020). Thus, several healthcare organizations and clinicians are still reluctant to adopt blockchain technology as a foundational innovation. The lack of interest in blockchain implementation in healthcare indicates that critical concerns exist for stakeholders regarding integrating this technology into their healthcare systems.
Hence, the current study's goal is to analyze the potential impact of a blockchain-based record system on Nigeria's radiology industry.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
In the current technology era, the majority of industries are currently implementing Blockchain technologies broadly in order to speed up, make operations transparent, safe, and secure. Due to improper channels, much confidential data have been taken through several illicit operations (Karame, 2016). According to Garg et al. (2020), because Blockchain technology is still in its infancy, Health facilities are not yet prepared to use it as majority of businesseshis facilities are still ignorant of the uses and advantages of blockchain technology. Physicians are one of the most important users and stakeholders of blockchain projects in healthcare. Little is known about how blockchain-based record system has been effective on the radiology sectorwithin a healthcare context. Few studies used a literature review approach to identify and categorize the benefits and threats of blockchain technology in healthcare (Abu-Elezz et al., 2020). However, they mainly investigated factors from the healthcare organizations' perspective without categorically examining the effect of blockchain-based record system on the radiology sector within a healthcare contexthence the present study.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the blockchain-based record system and its potential effect on Nigeria's radiology sector. Specific objectives of the study are;
1.To examine the significant effect of blockchain-based record system on radiology sector in Nigeria.
2. To ascertain the issues associated with blockchain-based record system in the radiology sector in Nigeria
3. To determine the application of blockchain-based record system in the radiology sector in Nigeria.
4. To suggest policies that the health (radiology) sector can adopt to improve the data coordination in Nigeria
Through the current study, the following research questions are addressed to explore the historical perspective of blockchain technology's role in the radiology health sector in the case of Nigeria.
Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will enable health professionals to understand that the rapid expansion and transition of the old health system to the cutting-edge digital system enhanced the relevance of comprehending blockchain technology.
The results of the current study will aid in the development of public and private health policies that encourage the adoption of new technologies or minimize the negative effects of their use in the healthcare industry.
Furthermore, the findings can provide practical implications to managers and developers by highlighting the key concerns that should be well-addressed to encourage the widespread adoption of blockchain.
The scope of this study is limited to the blockchain-based record system: potential effect on Nigeria's radiology sector. Though this study is broadly related to the healthcare sector, only the radiology department as well as the workers in this department shall be adopted for this study.
1.6 Definition of Terms
Blockchain: Blockchain is a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network.
Radiology: Radiology is the medical discipline that uses medical imaging to diagnose diseases and guide their treatment, within the bodies of humans and other animals.
Record System: Records systems provide controls which support the creation, capture and management of authentic, accurate, complete, unaltered and useable records.
Copyright © 2025 All Right Reserved CVClue
A Subsidiary of EMINENT INFO TECH VENTURES