Blockchain, Link Campus University: «Much has been done, much more needs to be done»

«We were enthusiasts about the Blockchain, and then became researchers». Monica Costantini and Carlo Maria Medaglia from the Link Campus University took part to the “Blockchain in healthcare” event and explained what the Italian university has done and is willing to do in the field of this new technology.

«We have been working on the Blockchain for a while – said Dr. Costantini -. We created a cryptocurrency for the University, we certified training documents on the Blockchain and now we are working on traceability». The University has also organised an MBA in Blockchain and Economics of Cryptocurrencies in partnership with Consulcesi Tech: «It aims at training new professionals and creating new technical and theoretical skills. When we deal with new technologies – she went on -, it is always very important to know the technique and how to use it, and this is our goal».
Much has therefore been done by the University and Italian companies, but much still needs to be done. Dr. Medaglia explained why: «The whole world is working on these new technologies and, as everything that is worldwide, we need to act in time. Italy did a lot of work in the last 18 months, but much more should be done under the regulatory and industrial point of view. Otherwise, it won’t be able to keep the excellent position it has gained».

And this is especially true for healthcare, which was at the centre of the debate: «We all want Italy to be an excellent actor, as it is today, in the fields of healthcare and digital healthcare. This way, it will be able to strengthen its industrial development and ensure many jobs».

The possible applications of the Blockchain in healthcare are endless: in fact, the technology can guarantee certified and transparent data, new logistics, personalised administration of medicines, traceability of drugs and shared clinical records. Just to quote some of them. And at a European level many of them are being realised: «There is a big European project called “My Health My Data” – said Monica Costantini – that involves many European countries and hospitals to discuss such topics. Blockchain technology is growing fast, and we are sharing data and knowledge trying to achieve a common goal».

Finally, Blockchain might also play an important role in the Continuous Medical Education (CME) sector. Doctors and healthcare professionals, after their graduation, always need to study and keep track of new scientific innovations and discoveries. They are therefore forced to attend conferences, congresses and classes, and to show that they have gained the number of credits law requests them. Blockchain can ensure in a transparent and unchangeable way their participation to such training events: «Training certification is always important – said Carlo Maria Medaglia -. Especially when at the doctor’s, we all want to know whether he/she attended several courses, but also whether his/her day-by-day education is certified. I think this is true for all professions, but it is obvious that CME education is much more important than other fields».

Article written by Sanità Informazione