BLOCK CHAIN-BASED FRAMEWORK OPTIMIZED WITH GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR SECURE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

Abstract

This invention introduces a secure, blockchain-based framework for electronic health records (EHR) management, addressing critical privacy, security, and accessibility needs in healthcare. Traditional centralized systems are vulnerable to data breaches, single points of failure, and fragmented records, limiting secure, unified data storage. This proposed framework overcomes these issues by combining blockchain technology with Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to enhance security and performance. Key components include the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) for decentralized storage and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) for strong encryption. The Genetic Algorithm optimizes blockchain parameters such as block size, block time, and node count through a custom fitness function, evaluating security, latency, and resource usage. Implemented on Hyperledger Fabric and validated through Finite State Machine modeling, the system provides high data security, efficient retrieval, and resilience against unauthorized access. With patient-centric access control via smart contracts, this framework offers an innovative solution for secure, scalable healthcare data management.

Specification

Description:
BLOCK CHAIN-BASED FRAMEWORK OPTIMIZED WITH GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR SECURE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a block chain-based framework enhanced with genetic algorithms to secure and optimize the management of electronic health records.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0004] Electronic health record (EHR) management in the healthcare industry faces significant challenges due to the reliance on centralized database systems. In these centralized setups, patient data is often stored in a single repository, accessible solely by authorized personnel. However, this centralization introduces a single point of failure, meaning that any breach, outage, or incident of tampering can compromise the entire data set. Furthermore, data fragmentation is a prevalent issue, as different healthcare providers maintain their own databases, leading to inconsistent and incomplete patient records.
[0005] Electronic health record systems have incorporated permission-based access control measures to mitigate some of the security risks of centralized databases. These controls restrict data access based on roles and permissions, ensuring only authorized personnel can view or modify patient data. Nevertheless, this approach is still vulnerable to unauthorized access, especially if credentials are compromised. Additionally, most permission-based access systems lack transparency, which prevents patients from viewing or managing who can access their data, leading to concerns about data privacy and reducing patient trust.
[0006] Electronic health record management has recently explored blockchain technology as an alternative to secure patient data storage and sharing. Blockchain offers a decentralized data storage approach, with its inherent tamper-proof and immutable characteristics enhancing data integrity and protecting against unauthorized modifications. However, blockchain-based healthcare solutions come with significant performance challenges, including high latency in data retrieval, which is especially problematic in high-volume environments where rapid access to patient information is essential.
[0007] Electronic health record scalability issues also persist in blockchain solutions, as many blockchain platforms struggle to manage large datasets efficiently. The consensus mechanisms ensuring data security become resource-intensive and slow as network size and usage grow, limiting the scalability of these systems. Additionally, many blockchain systems lack adaptive optimization, relying instead on static configurations that make it difficult to adjust parameters dynamically, even under fluctuating network conditions.
[0008] Electronic health record security heavily depends on encryption methods like Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and RSA, which offer robust protection against unauthorized access. These encryption techniques, while providing high data security, also impose computational overheads, affecting the speed of data access and retrieval. In real-time access scenarios, this extra processing time for encryption and decryption can be detrimental, impacting the efficiency and usability of EHR systems.
[0009] Electronic health record encryption methods also face limitations due to their rigid configurations, which cannot adapt to changing security or performance requirements. This inflexibility prevents the system from dynamically adjusting to varying demands, such as during peak access times when faster data retrieval is necessary. Thus, a more adaptive solution that optimizes both security and efficiency in EHR management is needed to address these shortcomings.
[0010] Electronic health record systems would benefit from this invention, which integrates blockchain with genetic algorithms for adaptive optimization. This blockchain-based framework aims to enhance data security, improve retrieval speed, and increase transparency by leveraging blockchain's decentralization and the dynamic capabilities of genetic algorithms. Through this approach, the invention addresses the limitations of current EH R technologies and creates a more efficient, secure, and patient-centred solution.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The primary objective of this invention is to create a highly secure, scalable, and patient-centered framework for managing electronic health records (EHRs). By integrating blockchain technology with genetic algorithms, the invention addresses key challenges in current healthcare data management, such as data security, privacy, patient control, and system scalability. This advanced solution aims to overcome the limitations of traditional centralized and permission-based systems, as well as the constraints of existing blockchain solutions, ensuring a resilient and user-driven EHR management system.
[0012] The invention aims to address critical issues in healthcare data management, particularly in the secure handling and storage of electronic health records (EHRs). Current centralized systems and static blockchain configurations remain vulnerable to unauthorized access, data tampering, and single points of failure. This invention introduces a dynamic approach, using Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to optimize blockchain parameters for robust security, adapting in real time to evolving security needs.
[0013] The invention also focuses on decentralized storage to reduce data loss risks inherent in centralized models. Centralized storage systems face challenges with data reliability and availability, which can impact patient care. By integrating the Inter Planetary File System (IPFS), this solution distributes data across multiple nodes, eliminating single points of failure and ensuring continuous data availability even during network interruptions.
[0014] The invention addresses performance issues by enhancing blockchain efficiency to support high transaction volumes and low latency. Traditional blockchain systems often suffer from high latency, which limits their effectiveness in real-time healthcare applications. Through GA-optimized parameters like block time and node configurations, the framework reduces latency, improving transaction throughput and enabling faster access to critical health data.
[0015] The invention addresses performance issues by enhancing blockchain efficiency to support high transaction volumes and low latency. Traditional blockchain systems often suffer from high latency, which limits their effectiveness in real-time healthcare applications. Through GA-optimized parameters like block time and node configurations, the framework reduces latency, improving transaction throughput and enabling faster access to critical health data.
[0016] The invention emphasizes patient-centered data control to give patients greater transparency and authority over their records. Many EHR systems lack mechanisms for patient-managed access, which can lead to privacy concerns. This framework incorporates smart contracts to enable patients to directly manage who accesses their data, fostering trust and ensuring privacy by giving patients full control over permissions.
[0017] The invention further tackles scalability limitations that affect current blockchain systems, especially in handling large data sets and growing network demands. Fixed configurations in traditional systems limit scalability, making it difficult to support expanding healthcare applications. Through dynamic adjustments in block size and node count, the GA optimizes resource usage, ensuring the framework can scale sustainably for larger datasets and increased user activity.
[0018] Overall, the invention seeks to provide a secure, efficient, and patient-focused framework for EHR management, addressing key challenges in existing technologies. By combining blockchain's security features with the adaptive capabilities of GAs, the framework offers an innovative solution that enhances security, performance, and patient trust in healthcare data systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present disclosure relates to a block chain-based framework enhanced with genetic algorithms to secure and optimize the management of electronic health records.
[0020] Block chain technology is a digital ledger system that organizes transactions in a chain-like structure, with each record, or block, linked sequentially. Before being added to the blockchain, each transaction is validated by interconnected nodes, ensuring only accurate data is recorded. This decentralized design distributes data across multiple nodes, creating a consensus on its exact location, which makes it highly secure and resistant to tampering or unauthorized changes.
[0021] By breaking down data into smaller pieces and distributing it across the network, blockchain enhances security over traditional centralized storage systems. Unlike centralized cloud storage, where a single breach could expose an entire database, blockchain ensures that any unauthorized attempt to access data would only result in a small portion being compromised, protecting the integrity of the full dataset..
[0022] In healthcare, blockchain offers a more secure and efficient way to manage electronic health records (EHRs). The decentralized nature of blockchain not only ensures the integrity of sensitive health data but also improves patient control over their records, allowing them to manage permissions and access. This level of transparency and security fosters greater trust and confidence in the healthcare system, reducing the risks associated with data breaches.
[0023] The present invention is a blockchain-based framework that securely manages electronic health records (EHRs) by combining several advanced technologies to enhance security, efficiency, and patient control. At its core, the framework integrates Genetic Algorithms (GAs) for dynamic optimization of blockchain parameters, allowing the system to adapt to evolving security and performance needs by fine-tuning configurations like block size and consensus difficulty. This optimization process improves the system's resilience, ensuring robust data protection.
[0024] The present invention consists of decentralized storage using the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), which securely distributes encrypted EHR data across a network of nodes. By storing only the unique IPFS hashes on the blockchain, this approach eliminates single points of failure and enhances data accessibility while maintaining data integrity. This decentralized storage method ensures continuous data availability and strengthens data resilience against breaches.
[0025] The present invention consists of a patient-centric access control model supported by Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) for data encryption and Hyperledger Fabric for smart contract management. ECC provides an additional layer of security, encrypting each EHR before storage, ensuring that the data remains protected even if unauthorized access occurs. Hyperledger Fabric's smart contracts enable patients to manage access permissions, allowing them to control who can view their medical records, thus enhancing transparency and privacy in EHR management.
[0026] The invention employs Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to optimize key blockchain parameters, including block size, block time, node configuration, and consensus factor. By adapting these parameters dynamically, the framework meets changing security and performance demands, enhancing both data protection and system efficiency. The GA process begins with an initial set of configurations (represented as chromosomes) and uses selection, crossover, and mutation processes to identify the optimal configuration. A fitness function evaluates each configuration based on three components: security score (for resilience against unauthorized access), performance score (for data retrieval speed and latency), and resource usage score (for efficient resource consumption by adjusting node count).
[0027] Decentralized Storage with IPFS: The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is utilized for decentralized storage, adding redundancy and resilience to the framework's data storage capabilities. In IPFS, encrypted EHR data is distributed across a network of nodes, and each file receives a unique hash identifier. This design ensures data availability and eliminates the single points of failure associated with centralized systems. In EHR management, medical records are stored in IPFS, while only the unique IPFS hashes are saved on the blockchain, making data both accessible and tamper-proof.
[0028] Data Encryption with Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC): To secure EHR data, the invention incorporates Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), which provides a robust layer of encryption. ECC uses mathematical properties of elliptic curves to create secure encryption keys, offering strong data protection with minimal computational demands. Each EHR file is encrypted with ECC before being stored, ensuring that even if unauthorized users access the data, they cannot decipher it without the proper decryption key.
[0029] Patient-Centric Access Control with Smart Contracts: This framework also uses smart contracts on the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain to enable patient-centric access control, allowing patients to manage who can access their health records. Smart contracts enforce role-based access control, enabling patients to grant or revoke permissions directly. Healthcare providers, therefore, have access only to the data they are authorized to view, which ensures both patient privacy and data security. This approach addresses key privacy concerns by giving patients transparency and control over their sensitive medical information.
[0030] The first core component of the system is the data uploading process, wherein medical records are securely uploaded by patients or authorized healthcare providers. Once the data is uploaded, it undergoes encryption using ECC to ensure robust protection against unauthorized access. The encrypted records are then stored in IPFS, with each file assigned a unique hash, which is stored on the blockchain. A smart contract is then triggered to manage access permissions, allowing patients to control who can view their health records. This step ensures both privacy and transparency for patients while ensuring efficient and secure access for authorized users.
[0031] The second component focuses on data access and retrieval, where authorized healthcare providers can request access to a patient's medical records. Upon receiving a request, the smart contract verifies the provider's credentials before granting permission. The system then retrieves the corresponding IPFS hash from the blockchain and fetches the encrypted data from the decentralized IPFS network. This data is subsequently decrypted, ensuring that only authorized personnel can view the records in a secure and privacy-preserving manner.
[0032] To continuously enhance the system's security and performance, the invention incorporates a dynamic optimization process driven by a Genetic Algorithm (GA). The GA periodically evaluates and adjusts critical blockchain parameters, such as block size, block time, and node configuration, based on real-time network conditions and security demands. The GA uses a fitness function that evaluates each configuration according to security, performance, and resource efficiency. This optimization process ensures the system remains resilient against security threats while maintaining high performance and efficient resource usage.
[0033] In summary, the present invention offers a comprehensive and robust solution for managing electronic health records. By combining blockchain-based decentralization, advanced cryptographic techniques, and dynamic optimization, the system addresses key challenges such as data security, scalability, and patient control. This framework not only enhances the security and efficiency of EHR management but also empowers patients with control over their sensitive health data, setting a new standard for privacy, accessibility, and transparency in healthcare.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The accompanying flow chart includes to provides a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate an exemplary block diagram of the present method of disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0035] Fig.1 illustrates an exemplary representation of Flow Chart for the block chain-based framework.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawing. The embodiments are in such detail as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit, and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended.
[0037] The fragmentation of healthcare data is a widespread issue that patients face when transitioning between healthcare providers. As patients visit different hospitals or clinics, their previous medical records are often misplaced or not efficiently transferred. This results in critical health data being dispersed across multiple healthcare organizations, making it difficult for patients to have a complete and unified view of their medical history.
[0038] Transferring health information between organizations is a complex task that requires careful coordination to ensure accuracy. Patients often struggle to access their health records, leading to repeated tests and treatments, which can be both inconvenient and costly. Additionally, this fragmentation can be especially problematic during emergencies when timely access to health information is vital.
[0039] Data leaks from medical facilities, where patient information is sold to external companies, represent a grave concern for patient privacy and security. Such unethical practices not only violate trust between healthcare providers and patients but also expose sensitive personal data to exploitation. These breaches further compromise the integrity of the healthcare system and place patients at significant risk.
[0040] To address these challenges, it is crucial for healthcare organizations to implement strong data protection measures. This includes utilizing encryption, access controls, and decentralized storage systems to safeguard patient information from unauthorized access and tampering. By improving data security and ensuring seamless data transfer, healthcare providers can enhance patient trust and ensure better protection of sensitive health data.
[0041] The present invention introduces a blockchain-based framework for secure and efficient management of electronic health records (EHRs), integrating key technologies such as Genetic Algorithms (GAs), Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), IPFS, and blockchain to address the growing challenges of data fragmentation, security, and accessibility in healthcare systems. This innovative system ensures that health records are encrypted, securely stored, and can be accessed in a transparent and controlled manner by both patients and authorized healthcare providers, creating a patient-centric approach to data management.
[0042] The present invention utilizes ECC encryption, a public-key cryptography method based on elliptic curves, to protect the confidentiality of sensitive healthcare data. ECC is known for its computational efficiency and robust security, ensuring that data remains encrypted throughout its lifecycle. This method prevents unauthorized access or breaches, ensuring that sensitive healthcare information remains private and secure, even in the event of system vulnerabilities or cyberattacks.
[0043] The present invention integrates IPFS, a decentralized file storage system, to enhance data security and availability. By distributing encrypted healthcare data across multiple nodes, IPFS eliminates the risk of single points of failure, ensuring continuous access to medical records. Each uploaded file receives a unique hash, which is stored on the blockchain, thus providing an immutable, tamper-proof network identity for the data.
[0044] The present invention incorporates Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to dynamically optimize essential blockchain parameters such as block size, block time, and consensus mechanisms. GAs evaluate configurations based on security, performance, and resource usage, adjusting the system to meet changing demands. This optimization enhances the overall efficiency and resilience of the blockchain network, ensuring robust performance in the face of evolving security threats.
[0045] The present invention employs smart contracts to implement role-based access control (RBAC), giving patients control over who can access their health records. These contracts enable patients to grant or revoke access to healthcare providers, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view or modify their medical data. This feature enhances privacy, transparency, and trust in the healthcare system.
[0046] The present invention ensures the integrity of the blockchain network through a Proof of Work (PoW) mechanism. This computational process requires significant effort to add new blocks to the blockchain, preventing unauthorized alterations and guaranteeing the validity of the data stored. The use of PoW contributes to the overall security and trustworthiness of the healthcare data management system.
[0047] The present invention is designed with scalability in mind, supporting a growing number of healthcare providers and patients without compromising on security or performance. The combination of blockchain, ECC, IPFS, GAs, and smart contracts provides a highly scalable infrastructure capable of handling large datasets and high transaction volumes, making it well-suited for large-scale healthcare applications.
[0048] The present invention ultimately addresses the significant issues of healthcare data fragmentation, security, and access control. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, it offers a secure, transparent, and patient-controlled platform for managing health records. This framework ensures that medical data is protected, accessible, and traceable, empowering patients with greater control over their health information while improving the efficiency and security of healthcare delivery.
[0049] The present invention consists of a comprehensive framework designed to enhance the security and management of electronic health records (EHRs). At the heart of this framework lies BlockFerm, which acts as the central hub where all activities and connections within the system occur. This platform facilitates the integration and interaction of all the key components that ensure the seamless operation of the EHR management system.
[0050] The present invention incorporates RBAC (Role-Based Access Control), which plays a crucial role in restricting access to patient data based on predefined roles. This ensures that only authorized individuals, such as patients, doctors, insurance firms, and laboratory report providers, can access specific health information. Through RBAC, user permissions are managed effectively, and access is granted based on the patient's consent, promoting both privacy and security.
[0051] The present invention utilizes Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to streamline data processing and access management. GAs optimize key blockchain parameters dynamically, adjusting the system to meet evolving performance and security demands. This enables smooth operations and ensures that the system adapts to changing requirements, maintaining both efficiency and security in managing healthcare data.
[0052] The present invention also integrates Smart Contracts, which automate the execution of agreements between different parties within the healthcare system. These smart contracts ensure that actions are carried out only when certain conditions are met, such as granting or revoking access to a patient's medical data. This automation enhances operational efficiency and ensures compliance with predefined rules, increasing trust in the system.
[0053] The present invention includes the use of an advanced Encryption Algorithm based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). ECC provides a robust method for encrypting and decrypting sensitive healthcare data, ensuring that the information remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access. The encryption ensures that only authorized parties can decrypt and view the data, maintaining its integrity throughout the storage and retrieval process.
[0054] The present invention integrates IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for decentralized data storage. IPFS enables the secure and efficient storage of encrypted data across a distributed network of nodes, ensuring that data remains available and tamper-proof. By using IPFS, the system can retrieve and decrypt data only when access is authorized, eliminating the risk of centralized data breaches.
[0055] The present invention also includes a Database for storing non-confidential patient information. This centralized database allows for easy management of general data that does not require the level of encryption applied to sensitive health records. It provides a practical solution for managing less sensitive information while ensuring the security and privacy of more critical health data within the system.
[0056] The present invention introduces a framework that ensures the secure management and access of patient data through a well-structured workflow. It begins with the Data Entry and Encryption process, where healthcare providers, such as doctors, insurance firms, or laboratory providers, enter patient data into BlockFerm. The data is then encrypted using Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), ensuring that it remains confidential and secure. The encrypted data is stored in IPFS, and a hashed value of this data is saved on the blockchain, guaranteeing its integrity and protecting it from tampering
[0057] The present invention ensures robust Access Control and Data Retrieval by empowering patients to control who can access their health data. Patients can issue signed tokens to grant specific access privileges to users. When a user requests to view the data, BlockFerm checks their permissions using Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). If the user is authorized, BlockFerm retrieves the encrypted data from IPFS and decrypts it using ECC, making the decrypted data available only to the authorized user, ensuring data security and privacy.
[0058] The present invention's working starts with the data uploading process, where patients or authorized healthcare providers input medical records into the system. These records are encrypted using Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) to ensure robust security. The encrypted data is then stored in the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), which generates a unique hash that serves as the data's identifier. This hash is securely saved on the blockchain, ensuring the integrity and traceability of the medical information.
[0059] The present invention's working continues with the access control mechanism, managed through smart contracts. Patients are empowered to set permissions for their data, allowing access only to authorized users. When a user requests access, the system verifies their credentials using role-based access control (RBAC). Once permissions are confirmed, the system retrieves the encrypted data from IPFS, decrypts it using ECC, and provides access exclusively to the authorized individual, ensuring security and privacy at every step.
[0060] The present invention's working extends to data access and retrieval, ensuring seamless and secure handling of patient information. When an authorized healthcare provider requests access to a patient's medical records, the system activates a smart contract to verify the provider's credentials. If the verification is successful, the smart contract retrieves the corresponding IPFS hash from the blockchain, ensuring that access is granted only to authorized individuals.
[0061] The present invention then fetches the encrypted data from the IPFS using the retrieved hash. The encrypted medical records are decrypted using Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), ensuring the confidentiality of the information throughout the process. The decrypted data is finally delivered to the authorized healthcare provider, enabling secure and efficient access to vital medical records.
[0062] The present invention incorporates dynamic parameter optimization to enhance the performance and security of the blockchain system. Utilizing a Genetic Algorithm (GA), the framework periodically tests and optimizes blockchain parameters, such as block time and node count, in response to evolving network and security requirements. This ensures that the system remains adaptable and efficient under varying conditions.
[0063] The present invention's optimization process employs a fitness function to evaluate each configuration, balancing factors like security, performance, and resource utilization. Once an optimal configuration is identified, it is applied to the blockchain network, resulting in improved system performance, scalability, and security, while maintaining robust data protection.
KEY FEATURES OF BLOCK CHAIN-BASED FRAMEWORK OPTIMIZED WITH GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR SECURE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS
• Blockchain-Based Security: Utilizes blockchain for immutable and transparent storage of medical record metadata, ensuring data integrity and protection against tampering.
• Dynamic Optimization with Genetic Algorithms (GA): Continuously optimizes blockchain parameters like block time, block size, and node configuration to adapt to network demands, enhancing performance and security.
• Decentralized Storage with IPFS: Stores encrypted medical data on IPFS, a decentralized file system, providing high availability, resilience, and redundancy.
• Robust Encryption with ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography): Ensures data confidentiality using ECC, which provides strong encryption with smaller key sizes, reducing computational overhead while maintaining security.
• Patient-Centric Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Allows patients to define access permissions, ensuring healthcare providers only access data with proper authorization.
• Smart Contracts for Automation: Streamlines operations such as data sharing, access control, and insurance claims through smart contracts, ensuring conditions are met before executing actions.
• Centralized Database for Non-Sensitive Data: Maintains non-sensitive patient information in a centralized database, optimizing system efficiency.
• .
ADVANTAGES OF BLOCK CHAIN-BASED FRAMEWORK OPTIMIZED WITH GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR SECURE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS
[0064] The present invention provides the following advantages.
[0065] Enhanced Security: The framework leverages Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to dynamically optimize blockchain parameters, offering higher security and resilience against unauthorized access compared to traditional fixed-parameter systems.
[0066] Improved Privacy and Patient Control: Smart contracts allow patients to retain control over their health data, enabling them to manage access permissions and addressing privacy concerns often associated with centralized systems.
[0067] Greater Scalability: Decentralized storage via IPFS, coupled with optimized blockchain configurations, ensures efficient handling of large volumes of healthcare data, accommodating growing demands seamlessly.
[0068] Unmatched Reliability: The use of IPFS for decentralized storage and ECC for encryption ensures robust data protection and continuous access to records, even during network disruptions or adverse conditions.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A blockchain-based framework for secure and efficient management of electronic health records (EHRs), comprising:
An encryption Module utilizing Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) for encrypting sensitive healthcare data, ensuring confidentiality and robust protection against unauthorized access;
Decentralized Data Storage System integrating InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) for storing encrypted data across a distributed network of nodes, wherein each file is associated with a unique hash stored on a blockchain to provide immutability and tamper resistance;
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) mechanism enabling patients to define, grant, and revoke access permissions to their EHRs, ensuring only authorized individuals or entities can retrieve or modify data;
Dynamic Blockchain Parameter Optimization employing Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to optimize blockchain parameters, including block size, block time, and consensus mechanisms, dynamically adjusting the system to enhance performance, scalability, and security based on predefined fitness functions and
Access Verification System utilizing smart contracts to authenticate access requests by verifying credentials through RBAC, facilitating data retrieval exclusively for authorized users.
2. The blockchain-based framework for secure and efficient management of electronic health records (EHRs) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Genetic Algorithms dynamically evaluate and adjust blockchain parameters based on security, performance, and resource utilization criteria, optimizing operations for large-scale healthcare systems.

3. The blockchain-based framework for secure and efficient management of electronic health records (EHRs) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Role-Based Access Control mechanism ensures data privacy and security by automatically enforcing patient-defined access policies via smart contract executions.

4. The blockchain-based framework for secure and efficient management of electronic health records (EHRs) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the integration of IPFS and blockchain provides a secure, decentralized, and traceable method for healthcare data storage, ensuring continuous data availability and integrity.

5. The blockchain-based framework for secure and efficient management of electronic health records (EHRs) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the use of Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) enables secure exchange and retrieval of encrypted health records, maintaining data confidentiality even in the event of partial system vulnerabilities or breaches.
6. The blockchain-based framework for secure and efficient management of electronic health records (EHRs) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said framework allowing patients to issue cryptographically signed tokens to define and regulate data access, providing granular control over their EHRs.
7. A blockchain-based method for secure and efficient management of electronic health records (EHRs), comprising the steps of;
Encrypting medical records using ECC and uploading them to IPFS;
Recording the IPFS-generated hash on the blockchain; and
Authenticating access requests via RBAC and retrieving the corresponding hash to decrypt the data using ECC.

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