Blockchain technology has recently gained increased attention. Experts praise it as the “new Internet” for goods. The potential of blockchain technology today is undeniable. Yet, initiatives in other areas, outside the financial sector, are slow to evolve.

Academic research shows a lack of studies on how blockchain, as a new disruptive innovation could affect the healthcare system. This paper sets out with the ambition to explore how blockchain technology can affect Sweden’s digital healthcare. More specifically, the study is based on a theoretical analysis. By firstly presenting a literature review on the topic, the theoretical framework based on trust theories, digitalization of the healthcare industry, globalization, data ownership and blockchain technology is developed through an analysis of established theoretical developments. The study proceeds from a constructivist perspective, acknowledging that the healthcare industry, with trends such as globalization and data ownership, could potentially be affected from a disruptive new technology such as blockchain. The findings suggest that blockchain technology could find a promising implementation in the healthcare industry, by creating trust for patient data ownership. However, the technology is still shows limitations and vulnerabilities, and thus cannot be applied immediately.