Cloud Computing in the Healthcare Industry
The use of technology in healthcare has a long history, dating back to the 19th century, however, with rising healthcare concerns likely linked with the increasing global burden of diseases, a drastic digital transformation has been observed recently in this industry to tackle the global challenges faced by the traditional healthcare setup. The ultimate goal of the use of technology in healthcare is majorly focused on the speedy and accurate delivery of information and therapies to patients along with the provision of universal healthcare coverage which remains a grave challenge.
Another problem that is currently gaining attention is the management of the enormous data generated by healthcare operations which is majorly contributed through sources like patient medical records. And, one such technology which is speedily gaining recognition as well as widespread adoption by the healthcare domain as a solution for data management concerns is cloud computing.
What is Cloud Computing in Healthcare?
The concept of healthcare cloud computing deals with the practice of management of health-related data by use of remotely accessible servers that are accessed through the internet. This has led to the transition from employing internal IT staff in healthcare settings to implementing cloud-based software. Data storage using the cloud platform is viewed by healthcare professionals as a flexible and secure solution for the storage and efficient management of huge amounts of data. It has evolved as an effective option for all data-related operations; right from collection, analysis, presentation, storage, and protection of data in an industry where data is viewed as a crucial resource.
The ubiquitous presence of cloud computing in the healthcare domain is supported by the fact that the use of the cloud for core operations spans almost 83% of the healthcare sector. The market size of the global healthcare cloud computing market which was valued at $30.5 Bn in 2021 is estimated to reach around $127.04 Bn by 2030.
Use of Cloud Computing in Healthcare
Cloud computing is becoming increasingly important in the healthcare industry due to several reasons. Here are some of the reasons why cloud computing is needed in the healthcare industry:
Increasing Need for a Cost-effective Data Storage Solution
Storage of medical data on hardware requires the allocation of huge finances as it requires constant maintenance. Whereas, the use of cloud computing for the same offers huge scalability in terms of space as well as reduces the costs involved. Also, the flexibility desired by healthcare organizations in terms of the type of services utilized as well as the duration of usage is provided by the pay-as-you-go approach offered by organizations like Azure. This leads to efficient cost savings for the organizations which can further be allocated to improving other operations.
Flexibility of Data Access by Multiple Professionals at the Same Time
Cloud computing offers the advantage of real-time updates of data, which can further be accessed and updated by multiple professionals having permission for the same. This is helpful in healthcare settings in which multiple professionals deal with a single patient.
Data Security
The use of cloud services assures the privilege of data backups which can help prevent potential data loss owing to reasons like natural disasters. It shows promising potential in providing better security as compared to the use of traditional hardware systems.
Overall, cloud computing is needed in the healthcare industry to improve patient care, reduce costs, and improve data management.
Benefits of Cloud Computing in Healthcare
Easy Data-Related Operations
The benefit of easy access to patient-related data with the minimal requirement of an internet connection favors the use of this technology. Also, the tedious task of manual data entry can be automated thereby enhancing efficiency. Automation in data processing aids in the reduction of network equipment and labor-related costs.
Reduced Time to Market
Cloud computing is helping products enter the market quickly in the healthcare industry by providing a flexible and scalable infrastructure for product development, improving collaboration, improving data management, providing scalability, and improving efficiency. An example of how cloud computing is helping products enter the market quickly in the healthcare industry is the company Healthcare Triangle which has launched its CloudEz platform to help healthcare organizations develop and launch new products more quickly. Another example is BrightInsight which is a cloud-based platform that helps medical device companies develop and launch new products more quickly by linking Google Cloud for patient data storage
Facilitation of Telehealth Services
The use of Cloud Computing in healthcare aids in communication between a patient and a healthcare provider without the need for offline visits. It can also help in monitoring patient vitals facilitated by the use of cloud-connected wearable devices and keeping track of patient medication adherence.
Challenges of Use of Cloud Computing in Healthcare
Concerns Regarding Data Security
Concerns regarding data privacy due to the generation of patient-related sensitive information prevail. To keep a check on this, healthcare organizations must ensure that their cloud-based systems are HIPAA compliant and that patient data is protected from unauthorized access
Lack of Technical Skills
The switch from traditional data storage services to cloud computing services can be challenging owing to the lack of technical skills essential for the implementation and management of cloud-based systems.
Costs
The costs related to the implementation of cloud-based services can vary based on the type of services required, the duration of usage, and the scale of operation. Hence, careful consideration needs to be made before planning the switch.
Companies Providing Healthcare Cloud Computing Services
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is a leading provider of cloud computing services for healthcare organizations, which provides a flexible and scalable infrastructure for product development
- Microsoft Corporation: Microsoft Corporation is another leading player in the healthcare cloud computing market which offers a range of cloud-based solutions to help healthcare organizations develop and launch new products more quickly
- IBM: IBM provides cloud computing services for healthcare organizations, which helps them improve patient care and cost reduction
Companies Utilizing Healthcare Cloud Computing Services
- Pfizer: It is a key example of using cloud computing in medicine to aid better communication and collaboration. It has utilized this technology in projects helping in the reduction of time required for drug development
- AXA: It has collaborated with Microsoft to build a digital healthcare platform that simplifies healthcare journeys and empowers customers with access to a range of health and well-being services
- Humana: Humana uses the cloud computing, AI, and voice technology provided by Microsoft for developing predictive technologies
Conclusion
In conclusion, cloud computing is becoming increasingly important in the healthcare industry due to its numerous advantages. It has been adopted as the preferred optimized IT infrastructure in the healthcare sector, with a predicted market size of around $127.04 Bn by 2030. However, there are also some challenges associated with cloud computing in healthcare, including data security concerns, costs, and lack of technical skills among a few others. Despite these challenges, cloud computing is a cost-effective solution for healthcare organizations to manage their workload and provide better patient care.