Blockchain Applications in Healthcare Finance: A Systematic Review of Opportunities and Challenges for NHS General Ledgers in United Kingdom

Abstract

This systematic review explores the potential applications of blockchain technology within the financial operations of the UK's National Health Service (NHS), specifically focusing on its impact on general ledgers. The NHS, a complex and vast healthcare system, faces significant financial management challenges, including data fragmentation, inefficiencies in transaction processing, and issues with transparency and auditability. Blockchain, with its inherent characteristics of decentralization, immutability, and cryptographic security, offers a promising paradigm for addressing these issues.
This paper systematically reviews the opportunities that blockchain presents for enhancing financial transparency, streamlining payment processes, improving data integrity, and reducing administrative overhead in NHS general ledgers. Concurrently, it critically examines the significant challenges to its adoption, including regulatory hurdles, interoperability concerns, scalability limitations, and the substantial investment required for implementation and training. By synthesizing current literature and identifying key themes, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding for policymakers, financial managers, and technology innovators within the NHS regarding the strategic implications of integrating blockchain into healthcare finance.