Introduction
Our journey began with a desire to innovate in healthcare technology. At VBS, we envisioned a platform where patients could control their medical data completely. This 'Proof of Concept' project for the Decentralized Identity Foundation Hackathon encapsulates our vision of patient empowerment and privacy in healthcare.
What it does
The Medical Research Hub and Web3 Patient Portal give patients full control over their medical data. It enables them to securely share verified lab test results with medical researchers, ensuring data privacy and authenticity. Patients can contribute to medical research through this platform, gain insights into their health data, and receive participation rewards.
How we built it
Our development approach for the Medical Research Hub was multifaceted, combining various technologies to create a robust and user-friendly platform. We used Typescript for its strong typing and scalability, ensuring a solid foundation for our application. The front end was built with NextJS, leveraging its server-side rendering capabilities for a fast and efficient user experience, styled with the versatility of TailwindCSS for a sleek, responsive design.
For our database needs, we chose Supabase, an open-source Firebase alternative that provides us with a flexible and scalable database solution. This choice allowed us to handle complex data structures efficiently while ensuring rapid data retrieval and secure storage.
The core of our platform revolves around Decentralized Identity and Verified Credentials technologies. We integrated Dock Certs for issuing and managing verifiable credentials, utilizing its robust framework for secure and reliable credential handling. The Dock Wallet was also implemented as a key component, enabling users to seamlessly manage their digital identities and credentials.
Throughout the development process, we emphasized creating a seamless integration of these technologies, focusing on a user-friendly interface that simplifies complex blockchain concepts. The combination of blockchain technologies with modern web development tools resulted in a secure, efficient, and accessible platform ready to revolutionize the way patients interact with healthcare.
Challenges we ran into
Our journey wasn't without its hurdles. A significant challenge we faced was in the realm of verifying credentials and proof presentations. We explored various frameworks provided by the hackathon's sponsors, each presenting its own set of complexities and limitations. This exploration was crucial as it gave us a comprehensive understanding of the landscape and the challenges in implementing Decentralized Identity systems.
The turning point came when we discovered the Dock Certs platform, as recommended by PolygonID on their DIF Hackathon Notion page DIF Hackathon 2023 / Polygon ID. This platform was a game-changer for us. It enabled us to effectively issue Verifiable Credentials (VCs) using the BBS+ algorithm and Selective Disclosure, two key elements in ensuring data privacy and integrity.
The process of trying and testing different frameworks, though challenging, was invaluable. It led us to a solution that met our needs and aligned perfectly with our project's goals. Our experience with Dock Certs and PolygonID's guidance ultimately paved the way for us to overcome our credential verification challenges and move forward successfully with our project.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We're particularly proud of creating a platform that empowers patients in a way that has never been done before in healthcare. Our successful integration of Decentralized Identity into the healthcare sector and the seamless user experience we've achieved are significant milestones. Additionally, our ability to maintain data integrity and privacy is a testament to our technical capabilities.
What we learned
Throughout this project, we deepened our understanding of Decentralized Identity technologies and their application in healthcare. We learned the importance of balancing technical complexity with user-friendliness and gained insights into the ethical management of sensitive medical data.
What's next for Medical Research Hub, Web3 Patient Portal
We're set to significantly enhance the Medical Research Hub's capabilities. Our partnership with HealthB, a renowned Norwegian healthcare technology company, is a pivotal step in this direction. This collaboration will bring cutting-edge solutions as we leverage HealthB's expertise and platform. More about their innovative work can be found at healthb.no.
With the integration of advanced features and a wider variety of data types, our collaboration with HealthB will be crucial in elevating our services. In addition to this partnership, we plan to work closely with more research institutions and healthcare providers, broadening the platform's impact.
We aim to establish the Medical Research Hub as the global benchmark for patient-managed medical data. This platform is not just about patient empowerment; it's a catalyst for accelerating medical research contributions, fostering innovation, and reshaping the healthcare landscape.
Built With
- dock
- nextjs
- supabase
- typescript


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