In Switzerland, a process is currently underway to enable the traceability of medical devices using blockchain technology. Several hospitals and clinics are involved. Blockchain is a continuously expandable list of data records, also known as blocks, which are linked together by means of cryptographic procedures. The hospitals involved have given their consent. The individual transaction steps in the supply chain are thus unchangeable. However, every medical device requires a product identification number (UDI=Unique Device Identification) as a basic requirement, which is specified by the new Medical Device Regulation (MDR). The manufacturers of medical devices and clinics have to prove or guarantee the complete documentation of their medical devices, which is a new challenge. The infrastructure using blockchain technology allows them to do this without hospitals placing orders with transaction intermediaries or direct connections. This ensures a basis of trust for all parties involved in the supply chain, which means that the supply chain with medical devices is now secure and traceable. The entire route of delivery from the manufacturer of the medical devices through smart logistics to the collection of personal health data, which is collected in Switzerland in an electronic patient file (EPD), now runs seamlessly and traceably, which should increase the quality of treatment and improve all (treatment) processes.
