Cloud-based platforms have become an integral part of healthcare institutions today, providing advanced options for security, cost savings, and automation.
Cloud computing is the key enabler of digital transformation. And when it comes to healthcare, the technology is applied to bring new capabilities to market more swiftly, reduce costs, optimize workflows, and scale proficiently while reducing technology risks.
Cloud computing in healthcare has brought a huge shift in the consumption, storage, and sharing of medical data. It also helps discover new channels for customer outreach and offers personalization in care plans to improve outcomes.
As per Mordor Intelligence, the global healthcare cloud computing market is expected to reach USD 52.30 billion by 2026 from USD 23.74 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 14.12%.
The major factors driving the growth of the healthcare cloud computing market include the rise in the adoption of IT in the healthcare industry and usage of the cloud for reducing cost and improving scalability, storage, and flexibility.
In this article, we will dive deep into the ways cloud computing is impacting the healthcare domain.
See also: Solving a Healthcare Crisis with Cognitive Automation
How is cloud computing transforming the healthcare sector?
The advent of cloud computing has proven beneficial to both patients and healthcare providers. For healthcare institutions, cloud computing has helped reduce operational expenses while allowing providers to deliver more personalized care.
On the other hand, patients get instant access to healthcare services, even if they reside in remote areas. Additionally, cloud computing increases patient engagement by giving them access to their healthcare data, resulting in better patient outcomes.
On that note, here are a few ways cloud computing is impacting the healthcare sector.
Reducing data storage costs
Cloud platforms offer better infrastructure and services than individual on-premise storage systems set up by healthcare facilities. With cloud computing, hospitals are not required to purchase data storage hardware and software. Additionally, there are no up-front charges associated with cloud storage of data. You need to pay only for the features you deem feasible for your work, which ultimately results in massive cost savings.
With patient data flowing in from EMRs as well as healthcare wearables and applications, a cloud-based environment makes scaling possible while reducing costs.
Enhancing security
There is always a serious threat of losing critical information and data due to unexpected system shutdown, data breaches, etc. However, healthcare institutions can reduce such risks by moving to cloud hosting. Data managed in the cloud can easily be stored, recovered, or processed.
Cloud computing also enables healthcare providers to create multiple data backups in a secure medium. They can also rely on cloud-based VPNs for securing their data and infrastructure from unauthorized access.
Today, cloud consulting service providers offer the best cloud security measures to protect apps, data, or even the entire healthcare infrastructure from potential threats.
Increasing collaboration
Cloud computing offers seamless collaboration and improved productivity across the healthcare organization. Healthcare providers can view and access patient information easily and securely across a cloud-based platform.
All the medical data and records are located at a single centralized location. These records can be accessed through web portals at healthcare centers and retrieved whenever required. Doctors can also share information in real-time, which enables them to provide more accurate treatments.
Enhancing patient experience
With the help of the cloud for healthcare, doctors get the power to enhance the patient experience by giving them real-time access to test results, medical data, and prescriptions. Real-time location systems are one such solution that is booming in the healthcare industry.
Moreover, cloud computing in healthcare provides a check for patients from being overprescribed or dragged into unnecessary testing – such details can be found in the medical records.
Also, in just a few clicks, a patient can schedule an appointment with a doctor and execute auto-reminders for the upcoming appointments using cloud services. Patients’ vitals can also be supervised remotely by doctors with the help of cloud-connected solutions. Such exceptional cloud features ultimately lead to better care and an enhanced user experience.
Driving interoperability
Interoperability aims at establishing data integrations throughout the healthcare system, irrespective of the point of origin and storage. Interoperability powered by healthcare cloud solutions makes patients’ data available for easy distribution and for getting insights to aid healthcare delivery.
Healthcare cloud computing enables doctors and healthcare providers to gain easy access to patient data collected from several sources, share it with important stakeholders, and deliver timely care and treatment.
Increasing scalability
Another major benefit of cloud-based technologies is scalability. Cloud services can rapidly scale up as needed. Conversely, your organization can easily scale back as the need for certain resources decreases.
Cloud services ensure that healthcare organizations have all the required resources at the right time. They provide you with the necessary computing power, resources, and bandwidth needed at a particular time. You can reduce or increase resources based on your business needs and keep an eye on their usage.
See also: Bringing Healthcare into the Digital Age
To Sum Up
Cloud-based platforms have become an integral part of healthcare institutions today. By providing advanced options for security, cost savings, and automation, cloud infrastructure allows for technological exploration and innovation. If convenience, affordability, and security are your top priorities, then working with the cloud is a smart move.
So, if you plan to invest in cloud computing technologies, it’s advisable to contact a trusted cloud service provider. The experts will guide you through the process and help scale your business.
