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Cloud computing is reshaping healthcare, simplifying data sharing, streamlining operations, and fostering innovation. Learn about its impact on healthcare delivery, including service models such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, and the benefits they offer in terms of accessibility, scalability, cost-efficiency, integration, and data security. Discover key features like centralized data storage, automated backup and recovery, scalable infrastructure, streamlined integration, analytics, and regular updates, and how they optimize operations and enhance care delivery in the healthcare sector.
Cloud computing is set to radically reshape healthcare delivery, with a projected $89 billion being poured into the sector globally by 2027.
Microsoft simply defines it as “the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.” However, Cloud Computing is more than just a tech upgrade. It's making healthcare data sharing simpler, operations more streamlined, and sparking the development of innovative health-tech apps.
Come along as we explore how cloud computing is reshaping healthcare, making it more efficient and accessible for all stakeholders.
Cloud based applications are used via a browser, eliminating the need for local software installations. Cloud services are usually available in three types:
IaaS provides the foundational building blocks for cloud infrastructure. It offers the raw resources like computing power, storage, and networking. While IaaS providers maintain the physical hardware, users are responsible for managing the OS, applications, runtime, and data. Examples of IaaS providers include Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Compute Engine.
PaaS offers a platform that allows developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. It abstracts and manages everything from the underlying infrastructure to the software applications. Developers just interact with the platform and services. Examples of PaaS offerings include AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Microsoft Azure App Service, and Heroku.
SaaS delivers fully-managed applications to end-users. Everything from the infrastructure to the software application is managed by the service provider. Users simply access the software over the internet using a web browser. Examples of SaaS applications include Zoom, Google Workspace, and Canva.
Embracing cloud computing, particularly SaaS solutions, has reshaped the accessibility of web-based healthcare applications and brought forth a surge in innovation. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) is also making waves and is expected to grow at a remarkable 32% CAGR by 2027.
Here’s how your digital health solution can also reap the myriad benefits of cloud computing:
Computing on the cloud enables healthcare providers to build products and services that are accessible anytime, anywhere. Users can access these systems through various devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, managing their healthcare needs seamlessly. Both stakeholders can collaborate remotely, empowered by the cloud. For instance, a medical ID can be synced across all the user's devices and is equipped with an SOS button to alert the service provider from anywhere in the world.
Hardware and software can come with their limitations on their physical capabilities. If these services are built on the cloud, they bring a unique flexibility to scale. Since there is no limitation to the space that can be occupied by these services, handling user growth and adapting to user requirements through unique feature rollouts and version updates becomes easier. Thus, it accommodates evolving business requirements effortlessly, thanks to its intrinsic scalability.
Cloud computing facilitates scalability and enables service providers to commence on a smaller scale, building progressively per their needs.IaaS, which allows businesses to rent IT infrastructure from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis, eliminates hefty upfront investments in hardware and software, providing flexible computing resources. It's a popular choice for hosting websites and web apps and as a backend data storage and computing resource.
By negating the need for substantial initial infrastructure investment and transferring responsibilities like:
Healthcare organizations can maintain a lean tech stack while simultaneously curbing maintenance costs and enjoying savings in the long run.
Cloud computing and data sharing promote interoperability and enhance workflows by integrating with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), medical devices, and third-party APIs.
A notable partnership is between Pfizer and Amazon Web Services (AWS), aiming to expedite the development, production, and distribution of new medications for clinical trials. The alliance explores leveraging AWS’s analytics, machine learning, computation, and more capabilities to enhance Pfizer’s laboratory, manufacturing, and supply chain initiatives.
Similarly, Allscripts has formed a strategic five-year alliance with Microsoft to enhance its Electronic Health Record (EHR) software. Utilizing cloud-based solutions, this partnership strives to intertwine clinical and financial operations, providing a comprehensive patient record across various care settings.
Discover how interoperability is shaping the future of healthcare in our latest blog: 'Interconnected Care: The Journey to a Unified Digital Ecosystem'.
Cloud Computing safeguards sensitive patient information and ensures compliance with healthcare regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the US and other International Health Regulations. These robust security measures include data encryption and compliance certifications.
“There still is a knee-jerk tendency of people to hear cloud, think ‘public cloud,’ and think their stuff will be mixed with that of other organizations. But increasingly, the understanding of multi-tenant, secure, encrypted clouds has created an awareness for all enterprises and healthcare and life sciences providers that there is great benefit of trust, repeatability, and auditability.”, says the Vice President of Commercial Operations and Chief Security Officer for IBM Watson Health Carl Kraenzel.
For the best results, ensure the digital health solution development company you choose has hands-on experience building the features and software you're aiming for, especially in specialized areas like cloud computing. Want more insights? Dive into our guide: 'Outsourcing Healthcare Software Development'
More than 83% of healthcare organizations are currently using cloud services. Here’s how you can make the most of the advantages it offers to operations and care delivery:
In order to facilitate seamless patient care coordination, centralized data storage enables secure and effective data access across numerous locations and devices. Consider a multi-location healthcare chain, where a patient gets tested at one location and consults a specialist at another. Centralized data storage allows the specialist to access the patient’s test results in real-time, enhancing decision-making and ensuring coordinated care.
With automated backup and recovery processes, an efficient cloud-based system ensures quick data recovery and continuous healthcare operations during outages, disasters, or emergencies.
With scalable infrastructure, cloud-based systems can change workloads to meet current requirements. A healthcare application, say a telemedicine platform, might experience a surge in user activity during a public health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. A scalable cloud infrastructure can automatically allocate more resources during this high-demand period to prevent system slowdowns or crashes, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services to the users.
Integration capabilities in cloud computing reduce the need for manual data entry by streamlining operations, eliminating errors, and enhancing data transmission efficiency. A cloud-based healthcare app integrates scheduling, virtual consultations, and pharmacy orders. For example, After a doctor prescribes medication during a virtual visit, the prescription can automatically transfer to the in-app pharmacy. This enables patients to swiftly order medications, ensuring coordinated care and streamlined operations within a single platform.
Analytics and insights are essential as they enable data-driven decision-making, spot trends, and improve patient outcomes. The key is building an analytics infrastructure with the right data, tools, talent, and governance. With robust analytics capabilities, we can unlock the full potential of data to provide higher quality, more coordinated, and effective care.
Regular Updates and Enhancements are integral to building a robust platform. Regular security patches and fixes are essential for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, protecting against emerging cyber threats, and ensuring compliance. As platforms and standards evolve, updates keep systems compatible and capable of seamless data sharing across the healthcare ecosystem.
Cloud computing is becoming a key component in healthcare, making services more accessible and operations more efficient. As technology and healthcare intertwine, the future points towards more integrated, user-friendly, and data-driven care solutions. Ultimately, the patient stands to gain the most, with quicker, more coherent services on the horizon. However, by leveraging the cloud, healthcare organizations can create a robust technological backbone that positively impacts their bottom line.
If you are looking to leverage cloud computing for your healthcare infrastructure, talk to our cloud experts at Montar HealthTech to explore how our cloud computing capabilities can transform your digital health project into a reliable, high-performing solution.
