Research on the Application and Development Trend of Blockchain Technology Patents in the Field of Medical and Health Information
Keywords:
Blockchain, Medical and health information, Patent analysis, Social network analysis, Competitive situationAbstract
Objective: To analyze the patents of blockchain technology in the field of medical and health information worldwide. Methods: Based on patent data from the Orbit patent database from 2009 to 2020, we adopted patent analysis and social network analysis to conduct a deep exploration of the application trend, distribution of technology research and development institutions, key areas of research and development, and cooperation networks. Results: A total of 1,927 sample data of invention patents for blockchain technology in the field of medical and health information were obtained worldwide, with 1,660 valid patents (86.1%). China has the largest number of patent publications (615), but the United States has the largest number of patent priorities (1,031), indicating a strong awareness of global patent layout among US patent applicants. Blockchain technology has been applied in various fields such as healthcare informatics, electronic digital data processing, digital information transmission, diagnosis, and identification. Conclusion: Blockchain technology in the field of medical and health information is in a rapid development phase. China should strengthen its awareness of global patent layout and further enhance research and development, as well as cooperation in technologies such as data identification, data representation, recording carriers, and transmission devices.
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