The post Cloud Computing in Healthcare: How It is Used and 11 Examples appeared first on Cynoteck.

It’s the revolutionary age of technological transformations. Likewise, the healthcare industry has adopted technological advancements and has integrated Cloud Computing into its day-to-day operations. Before we dive into why cloud computing is in healthcare, let us first understand what cloud computing is. It is computing (processing) data, information, files, and much more on the servers.

Networking, software, as well as analytics are all part of computing. Cloud computing is the future of managing everyday operations in all business domains including Healthcare.  

Now, emerges the part of understanding why cloud computing is in healthcare. The answer to this lies in the need to increase efficiency, save costs, and be more productive than ever. Eliminating traditional methods of computing data in healthcare, which was time-consuming, tedious, and unreliable (compared to cloud computing).   

So, today we are going to discuss all about cloud computing in healthcare to understand and explore in detail why health professionals must adopt these new practices to elevate their businesses.   

Understanding Cloud Computing in Healthcare:

Cloud computing compromises providing computing services such as databases, storage, servers, networking, etc. over the web. Several characteristics of cloud computing include broad network access, resource pooling, and on-demand self-service.

The ultimate benefit of cloud computing lies in its ability to not depend on human resources to function and manage. It works with great efficiency over the Internet assisting businesses.   

The cloud is accessible through all devices: phones, tablets, laptops, etc. This assists in managing demand from customers and conducting tasks smoothly.   

Benefits of Cloud Computing in Healthcare:

Cloud computing is transforming healthcare in several keyways:   

The first one is unlimited storage. Cloud offers virtual data storage and backup of healthcare records. As discussed earlier, the data can be accessed anytime and anywhere.

It also assists in sharing information on a real-time basis. It eliminates the restriction of handing over data or files and all other physical restraints due to different circumstances.

And when it comes down to managing large amounts of data then with the help of AI, data segmentation becomes smooth. Patient data stored in the cloud is safe and protected from all potential hazards.

The cloud eliminates large upfront infrastructure investments through a pay-as-you-go pricing model to manage costs efficiently. 

1. Improved accessibility and scalability of healthcare services  

Cloud-based systems assist in-demand access to applications, tools, and medical data from any device with an internet connection. Now this enables providers to conveniently access patient information and collaborate.   

Scalability to accommodate large sets of data results in an impressive feature and cost-effective strategy model of cloud computing. It helps in eliminating the need to look at expanding infrastructure to accommodate data.   

Real-life scenarios are a perfect example to demonstrate the benefit of opting for cloud computing compared to storing data offline. Files and folders are kept for decades and only cover space in boxes. During dire need, it takes a crucial amount of time to look for resolution. Unlike in cloud computing where one can access information through the web with just a few clicks!   

The cloud facilitates the rapid deployment of new applications and services to keep up with the latest innovations in care delivery. Even remote, small-scale healthcare facilities can leverage advanced HIT capabilities due to easy cloud access rather than large on-site deployments.  

2. Enhanced data security and compliance   

Cloud computing demands security & data protection. Cloud service providers invest heavily in compliant data centers, advanced security technologies, and strict access controls to safeguard patient data.

Encryption, access restrictions, backups, and audit logs ensure HIPAA and HITECH compliance for protected health information (PHI).  

The cloud offers redundancy to prevent losses and accelerate disaster recovery in case of outages. Providers benefit from the cloud vendor’s dedicated security resources versus limited in-house IT staff.  

3. Cost-effectiveness and resource optimization  

No expensive hardware purchases are needed – converting CAPEX to a utility-style OPEX monthly subscription model. Greater economies of scale from shared cloud infrastructure versus provisioning resources for peak demand.  

Automation and workload consolidation reduce IT labor, administration, and overhead costs significantly. High availability and uptime of cloud platforms minimize downtime costs associated with outages.  

4. Facilitation of remote patient monitoring and telemedicine

Real-time patient data from wearables, at-home diagnostics, and sensors is securely ingested into cloud-based monitoring platforms.

Cloud-enabled video consultations and virtual care allow the treatment of patients remotely, improving outcomes. Patient engagement and satisfaction are improved via cloud-based tools and patient portals for self-service needs.  

Also, read: Leveraging Salesforce Health Cloud for Patient Engagement and Improved Outcomes

Key Applications of Cloud Computing in Healthcare:

1. Electronic Health Records (EHR) is a prominent application for cloud computing. It helps in storage and data record management for healthcare professionals. Real-time accessibility is an add-on feature to share and analyze. This caters to a clearer and more accurate way of conducting analysis and providing accurate diagnostics.   
2. Medical Image Storage like X-rays and medical files in the cloud helps healthcare professionals to disseminate information and get responses timely to avoid delays in treatment. This helps in better collaboration among healthcare professionals.   
3. Health information exchange among healthcare professionals becomes seamless. One of the most common challenges while dealing with medical scenarios was to get timely coordination among professionals. With the help of cloud computing, one can easily access health information from any device, anywhere.   
4. Remote patient monitoring has transformed care tremendously. It allows virtual consultations and provides accessibility from any corner of the globe. This advances the potential of medicine.  
5. Finally, the analytical capacity of the cloud allows us to trace or unlock beneficial data from large datasets. Predictive analysis can be beneficial for treatments.   

Also, read: Understanding the Salesforce Health Cloud mobile app for Healthcare Providers and Patients

Challenges in Cloud Computing Healthcare:

1. Migration Difficulties – Migrating large volumes of patient data is a tedious task, it is complicated, time-consuming, and disruptive to operations. This can be a challenging factor in cloud computing, that is why it is always recommended to switch data as soon as possible.   
2. Vendor Lock-In -The Cloud restricts healthcare firms from switching vendors and relying on single cloud vendors. This can be challenging if the vendors make timely switches in prices.   
3. Customization Limitations – Every organization’s functions vary. Implementing exact unique functions into the cloud can be challenging. Customization in the cloud healthcare system can cause disruptions or may be challenging to implement.   
4. Connectivity Dependence – Internet disruption causes challenges among healthcare experts to connect and communicate. Disruption in functioning may cause indefinite service delay.   
5. Compliance Management – Healthcare clouds are bound to follow security measures and protocols. Though this is a beneficial aspect of cloud computing but can be exhausting as it requires additional management to keep a check on all protocols.   
6. Budget Constraints -Cloud requires changes, in terms of upgradation or even migration. Switching cloud services demands additional costs.   
7. Change Management – Variations in the operations are inevitable with cloud adoption. It can be challenging for healthcare professionals to adapt to a different working (virtual) environment when used to traditional methods of operations.   
8. Limited IT Resources – To utilize all expertise offered by the cloud, healthcare providers may require hands-on assistance and all intervals while working in the cloud. This requirement may come as a challenge for small healthcare organizations.   

Also, read: How does Salesforce Health Cloud help with patient engagement and care coordination?

11 Examples of Cloud Computing in Healthcare:

1. Cloud-based Electronic Health Records (EHRs):
   Cloud-based EHR systems like Epic, Cerner, and Allscripts enable anytime, anywhere access to patient records for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff. This allows medical personnel to easily update and view patient information from different locations and devices. The cloud provides the storage capacity and accessibility needed for digitized patient medical history, diagnoses, medications, immunizations, allergies, radiology images, and lab test results.  
2. Medical Imaging Storage: 
   The cloud offers scalable and secure storage for large medical images including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds. Several cloud services like Google Cloud and AWS facilitate easy storage, management, and sharing of imaging files across providers. This tremendously accelerates diagnosis by allowing specialists to collaborate on analyzing complex cases from any location.  
3. Patient Portals:
   Cloud-powered patient portals allow users to access their medical information, connect with care providers, schedule appointments, and more online. This gives patients greater engagement in managing their health through features like secure messaging, prescription refills, access to test results, and educational content.  
4. Telehealth Services:
   Telehealth platforms use the cloud to enable patients to have remote video consultations with doctors for minor illnesses, follow-ups, mental health, and other use cases. Providers can virtually treat more patients using telehealth while patients get easy access to care from their homes.  
5. Remote Patient Monitoring:
   Wearable devices and at-home medical IoT devices can continuously collect real-time patient health data and transmit it via the cloud to providers to monitor chronic conditions. This allows doctors to track progress without an in-person visit. The cloud enables seamless data sharing for better preventive care.  
6. Population Health Management:  
   Cloud analytics help aggregate patient data across systems and regions to generate population health insights. Large-scale data analysis in the cloud uncovers risks, trends, costs, and opportunities to better manage the health and quality of care for defined groups.  
7. Virtual Assistants:
   Chatbots help to provide instant assistance to patients. Timely assistance helps in improving patient-care relationships. This also helps medical professionals save time and improve efficiency. Virtual assistants also assist in admin tasks, like scheduling appointments and managing data, etc.  
8. Precision Medicine Analytics:
   Healthcare researchers leverage the scalable computing capacity of the cloud to rapidly sequence and analyze large genomic datasets. This big data analysis enables precision medicine by identifying the most effective treatments based on patients’ genes.  
9. Medical IoT and Wearables:
   Cloud platforms allow the collection and analysis of real-time data from medical IoT devices, wearables, and remote monitoring equipment. Doctors can use these cloud-generated insights to provide data-driven treatment recommendations.  
10. Healthcare AI:
    AI assists with personalized care to patients, such as clearing up general doubts or suggestions to improve the lifestyle of patients. Cloud-based AI includes predictive analysis based on patient data input and medical history. ML & AI assist in patient care and medical advancements.  
11. Cloud-Based Revenue Cycle Management:
    End-to-end revenue cycle management systems in the cloud handle patient registration, insurance verification, medical coding, claims processing, billing, and collections. Cloud automation makes billing and payment smoother.   

Also, read: Understanding the Benefits of Salesforce Health Cloud for the Pharma Industry

Conclusion:

Cloud computing holds immense potential to transform medicine. Over the years, healthcare organizations have seen a shift in the whole operations of patient care. Remote monitoring, medical image storage, AI automation, and several other features of cloud computing are making a successful shift in healthcare. Patient’s relations with healthcare professionals are becoming an inclusive part of relationship-building for better outcomes.  

Patients are becoming more aware of the decisions made throughout their healthcare journey. Cloud computing’s capacity to store data and synchronize beneficial data from large data centers will help in clinical trials or narrow down information.   

Not only will cloud computing help healthcare providers enhance everyday operations but it will also keep transforming care with strategic advancement. Over the coming years, healthcare providers will be able to access cloud computing in an advanced manner. The gap that is bridged right now and the challenges that hamper healthcare management will be resolved through various approaches.   

As a healthcare provider if you have not adopted the practices of cloud computing yet then, do not wait any longer. We at Cynoteck are here to assist you in your healthcare transportation journey. You can check our healthcare services; we will be providing you with the right solutions by catering to your needs and specifications.

Also, read: The Impact of Salesforce Health Cloud on Pharmaceutical Product Development

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