Evaluating the Effectiveness of Blockchain Technology in Mitigating Cybersecurity Crimes in Electronic Health Management Systems within Public Hospitals in Kenya

The digital transformation of healthcare fundamentally enhanced the management and accessibility of patient data through the implementation of Electronic Health Management Systems (EHMS). In Kenya, public hospitals increasingly integrated EHMS to optimize healthcare service delivery and improve patient care outcomes. However, this transition introduced significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities, including data breaches and unauthorized access, jeopardizing the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive patient information. This study evaluated the effectiveness of blockchain technology in mitigating these cybersecurity threats within EHMS in public hospitals in Kenya. The research identified that 78% of IT specialists reported data breaches as the most prevalent cyber threat and 64% cited frequent incidents of unauthorized access. Furthermore, 82% of respondents indicated that existing cybersecurity strategies were insufficient to address emerging threats. Despite the recognized limitations of current security measures, 87% of experts expressed confidence in blockchain’s ability to enhance EHMS security. The decentralized and immutable nature of blockchain was perceived to significantly mitigate unauthorized access and data tampering, with 90% of respondents agreeing that it could reduce the risks of data manipulation. The qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals revealed concerns about privacy violations and mistrust in the current EHMS. The findings underscored the urgent need for innovative cybersecurity measures, with blockchain emerging as a promising solution. This study contributed valuable insights into the potential advantages and limitations of blockchain technology, establishing a framework for enhancing the security of EHMS in Kenya and informing the development of more secure healthcare information systems.