Blockchain Smart Contracts for Automating Clinical Trials: Systematic Review and Proposed System Architecture
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By
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Zara Sheikh
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Gargi Samarth
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Usman Jaffer
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May 28, 2026
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Objective:
To explore the role of blockchain smart contracts (SCs) in enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency across the clinical trial lifecycle.
Key Findings:
- 144 records were identified, leading to 6 publications and 2 additional studies meeting inclusion criteria.
- Most studies implemented private Ethereum-based blockchains using Solidity.
- SCs facilitated various stages of the trial process, including application, patient recruitment, and consent.
Interpretation:
Remove unsupported conclusions about the potential of blockchain SCs.
Limitations:
- The review was limited to studies available in English.
- Only studies with sufficient technical detail on system architecture were included.
Conclusion:
Remove unsupported claims about future innovations.
