Blockchain in clinical trials: Bibliometric and network studies of applications, challenges, and future prospects based on data analytics

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive analysis on the usage of the blockchain technology in clinical trials, based on a curated corpus of 107 scientific articles from the year 2016 through the first quarter of 2024. Utilizing a methodological framework that integrates bibliometric analysis, network analysis, thematic mapping, and latent Dirichlet allocation, the study explores the terrain and prospective developments within this usage based on data analytics. Through a meticulous examination of the analyzed articles, the present study identifies seven key thematic areas, highlighting the diverse applications and interdisciplinary nature of blockchain in clinical trials. Our findings reveal blockchain capability to enhance data management, participant consent processes, as well as overall trial transparency, efficiency, and security. Additionally, the investigation discloses the emerging synergy between blockchain and advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and federated learning, proposing innovative directions for improving clinical research methodologies. Our study underscores the collaborative efforts in dealing with the complexities of integrating blockchain into the areas of clinical trials and healthcare, delineating the transformative potential of blockchain technology in revolutionizing these areas by addressing challenges and promoting practices of efficient, secure, and transparent research. The delineated themes and networks of collaboration provide a blueprint for future inquiry, showing the importance of empirical research to narrow the gap between theoretical promise and practical implementation.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Bibliometry; Blockchain technology; Data management; Interdisciplinary research; Latent Dirichlet allocation; Network analysis; PRISMA methodology.