Distributed Ledger Tech Applications - Health Report V1.4

1. DISTRIBUTED LEDGER TECH
APPLICATIONS - HEALTH
DLTA-H Report – Volume 1, Issue 4; 05 Nov 2018
(contact: info@sciencedistributed.com)
WELCOME
Welcome to the Distributed Ledger Tech Applications – Health or DLTA-H Report. This is the next phase of the weekly
newsletter Blockchain Healthcare SITREP that ran from Jul 2017 – Jul 2018 (archives here). DLTA-H is news, events,
commentary, and more relating to the application of blockchain/DLT to improve value and outcomes in health and
research.
We’ve gone weekly. This phase 2 newsletter was originally set as a bi-weekly, with the intention to alternate with another
newsletter focused on Value Based Research. I’ve found it difficult to a) get back into a regular newsletter rhythm like I
had with the BC/HC SITREP, and b) form the Value Based Research (VBR) concept into newsletter form. The solution is
for DLTA-H to go weekly and VBR to be presented in the form of longer conceptual essays and articles.
So here is your next issue, just a few days after the last one. I’ll also introduce Natalie Marler, who is part of the Science
Distributed Team as our Publications and Communications Lead. She will be leading our coverage of the upcoming
Distributed Health conference in Nashville 05-06 Nov (details p2), where Science Distributed is a proud media partner,
and authoring some follow-up (which we’ll be highlighting here next week). Stay tuned.
~ Sean Manion, PhD - CEO Science Distributed
BLOCKCHAIN/DISTRIBUTED LEDGER TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Germany’s Siemens Invests $681 Million into Blockchain Study and Development Center
AG Siemens, the largest industrial manufacturing company in Europe, has recently announced a huge investment of
$681 million USD in a center that will be used for the study and the development of the blockchain technology, artificial
intelligence (AI) and other high-end technologies.
“Michael Muller, the mayor of Berlin, has suggested that the
construction of something so huge could basically boost the status
of the city into a scientific advisory center.”
https://bitcoinexchangeguide.com/germanys-siemens-invests-681-million-into-blockchain-study-and-development-
center/
Commentary: The EU in general and Berlin in particular are really accelerating things when it comes to research. Great
to see, and we hope to help the US catch up and move things forward faster.
Top blockchain career opportunities in healthcare
There are a lot more blockchain job openings today than there were at this time last year and plenty of those are coming
to healthcare, according to Glassdoor.
https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/top-blockchain-career-opportunities-healthcare
Commentary: As noted in the previous article, Siemens recently laid off thousands, only to move to hire thousands with
their new Blockchain Center. This is the direction healthcare, research, and informatics are moving.

2. Blockchain Technology: The need of the Hour for Healthcare Industry
Healthcare industry can also benefit by using Blockchain technology.
https://www.cioreview.com/news/blockchain-technology-the-need-of-the-hour-for-healthcare-industry-nid-27374-cid-
176.html
Commentary: Data security in clinical trials, Drug tracking, Patient Information, Claim Processing. You’re welcome.
Using Blockchain for a Nationwide Patient Index
Blockchain offers the opportunity to finally ensure that a complete record of a patient’s clinical data is truly available to
the patient and clinician regardless of where the patient received care
https://www.healthcare-informatics.com/article/hie/using-blockchain-nationwide-patient-index
Commentary: When I hear talk of a universal, patient-centric, electronic health record it seems like a great idea but a
much later stage development because of all the non-tech challenges. When described here as a Patient Index, it seems a
lot more practically implementable sooner. Sometimes a conceptual shift is the biggest step towards progress.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Distributed Health – Blockchain Healthcare Conference – Nashville, TN 05-06 Nov
The first conference of its kind developed to bridge the gap between blockchain technologists and the healthcare
industry. Now in its third year, this event presents an opportunity for decision-makers and disruptors to reimagine
processes and reshape the future of healthcare across the U.S.
https://health.distributed.com/
Kogod Blockchain Forum – American University – Washington, DC 07 Nov
The Forum will engage leading blockchain experts from the private sector, various government agencies (e.g. HHS, GSA,
DoD, etc.), The World Bank Group, NGO’s, academic institutions, etc. in a setting designed to foster learning and the
exchange of ideas. Novices and experts alike will benefit from participation in this open forum for discussion of best
practices and challenges in the field.
https://www.american.edu/kogod/events/blockchain-forum.cfm
2018 Healthcare Block-a-thon – Washington, DC 08 Nov
ACT-IAC is planning a “Shark Tank” event focused on the viability of solutions that use Blockchain technology in
addressing potential healthcare agency use cases (needs). Potential blockchain use cases have been pre-vetted by a variety
of health sector participants from the ACT-IAC Blockchain Working Group, government representatives from HHS and its
Operating Divisions (OPDIVs), the VA and DHA.
https://www.actiac.org/2018-healthcare-block-thon
Healthcare Unblocked 2018 – London 09 Nov
The UK’s first flagship and must-attend conference dedicated to advancing blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology
in healthcare, assembling the ‘who’s who’ of expertise and experience in this cutting-edge field.
https://unblockedevents.com/events/healthcare-unblocked-2018/
Blockchain Healthcare East – University of DC – Washington, DC 14 Nov
The Blockchain in Healthcare conference will enable healthcare professionals to understand how blockchain technology
such as cryptocurrency, smart contracts, distributed databases, and public ledgers are, and will continue to transform
their sector.
https://www.blockchainhealthcare-east.com/home
Blockchain for Clinical Trials – IEEE Standards Association – Glasgow 14-15 Nov
In Scotland on 14-15 November 2018, we will discuss “How and When” blockchain will be adopted in clinical trials
operations. The Forum will feature a highly established innovation leaders from European consortia and multinational
pharmaceutical organizations, regulatory authorities, and blockchain solution companies.
https://standards.ieee.org/events/event-blockchain-clinical-trials.html