15 Key Examples of Cloud Computing in Healthcare Industry

The healthcare industry has seen a rapid growth of innovation after the pandemic. This is visible in all aspects of medical facilities including security, data management, performance, predictability, accessibility, affordability, and beyond. Mordor Intelligence estimates the market of cloud computing in healthcare industry is set to be worth USD 49.14 billion in 2024, rising to USD 83.93 billion by 2029. Reduced expenses, improved security, scalable storage, better patient care, and easier access to modern technologies like machine learning are the main drivers of this expansion. 83% of the healthcare industry presently uses cloud computing technologies for their primary business activities, according to Veritis. It becomes the cornerstone to enable EMR, Telehealth, IOMT, AI, and Big Data, going beyond the basic infrastructure.

What is Cloud Computing in Healthcare?

Healthcare cloud computing involves storing, managing, and processing medical data remotely through the Internet. Healthcare practitioners and patients can now access vast amounts of data safely and remotely, which enhances patient care, simplifies operations, and automates repetitive tasks. This also eliminates the location barrier to accessing medical services.

Let us discuss the 15 ways in which cloud computing development services can be applied to improve the healthcare industry.

Applications of Cloud Computing in Healthcare Industry

 1. Accelerates Clinical Analyses and Care Processes

Cloud computing services accelerate clinical analysis and care processes in healthcare by making it easier to gather and analyze patient data. With data stored in the cloud, health professionals can quickly access and review patient health records to make accurate diagnoses and informed decisions. Integrating electronic health records (EHR) software with cloud technology enables a seamless connection to systems like patient scheduling and telehealth solutions, thus improving efficiency and patient care.

2. Automates Data Processing

By replacing paper records with electronic health records stored in the cloud, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers can easily update and access these records electronically. This system provides quick access to detailed patient data from different sources, eliminating the need for large networks and complex security protocols. Cloud-based big data analytics, for instance, are used by Mount Sinai Health System to identify patient trends and patterns, ultimately improving patient care and population health.

3. Reduces Healthcare Expenses

Cloud computing in healthcare industry does not require massive on-premises systems, so it lowers data storage expenses. Cloud providers reduce equipment and IT infrastructure costs by managing data storage administration and maintenance. With expandable storage provided by pay-as-you-go services, businesses can grow as needed. This eventually yields a higher return on investment because it leads to significant cost reductions and improved funding allocation for patient care.

4. Enables Scalability

Cloud-based healthcare IT solutions offer a scalable and affordable alternative to traditional, on-premises storage. Hardware and software investments are required to upgrade self-hosted systems with limited capacity. Cloud solutions provide on-demand storage and features. Subscription-based cloud models enable healthcare organizations to adjust resource utilization dynamically without disrupting and updating hardware.

5. Pharmaceutical Advancements

In drug discovery and development, cloud computing enables secure R&D collaborations, fast data transfer, and efficient analysis, accelerating outcomes. Examples include bioinformatics and COVID-19 vaccine platforms. Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) leverage cloud computing to reduce scheduling conflicts, travel, and physical visits, improving patient experience and access.

6. Improves Patient Data Accessibility

Standardization of healthcare data has become a priority thanks to regulations like the 21st Century Cures Act and the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) data standard. These advancements, along with the rise of cloud-based EMRs (Electronic Medical Records), enable easy and efficient data sharing.

7. Enables Patient-Centric Approach

The patient-centric approach is the future of healthcare, empowering patients to be more involved in their care. With this approach, patients can find suitable providers, track charges, communicate via text message, schedule appointments online, and complete health-related documents digitally. Enhancing patient engagement significantly improves the quality of healthcare.

8. Superior Data Security

When paper medical records were used for patient data there was a big risk of theft or damage. In case of a fire or accident, these records could easily get lost which puts patient safety, privacy, and confidentiality at risk. Many healthcare providers are moving their data storage to cloud services these days. Thus, strict security and privacy protocols are implemented, and HIPAA compliance is guaranteed.

9. Easy Interoperability

Interoperability in cloud computing ensures seamless data integration throughout the entire healthcare system, irrespective of its origin or storage location. It enables easy distribution of patient data and provides valuable insights to improve healthcare delivery. In addition, wearable devices, IoT-enabled gadgets, and online health-tracking apps, when integrated with cloud computing, have shown the advantages of data interoperability.

10. Improves Collaboration

To provide value-based patient care, general practitioners and specialists must work together. Cloud computing services make data exchange simple and provider communication more efficient. Through virtual visits, experts can provide their knowledge and second opinions for better disease diagnosis and treatment.

11. Enabled AI and ML

The increasing number of wirelessly connected devices and EHR systems has led to more complex patient data. Cloud-based AI and ML software, like patient experience management and healthcare data analytics, help compile and analyze this data. These technologies enable physicians to respond to public health threats and limit the spread of infectious diseases.

12. Enhanced Telemedicine Offerings

Real-time, remote consultations are made possible by telemedicine, which saves time for both patients and medical staff. Cloud computing in healthcare industry is central to these telehealth services, enabling efficient and effective virtual care. For instance, a rural clinic can leverage cloud-based telemedicine to connect with cardiologists in the city, improving access to critical care for patients.

13. Extensive Medical Research

Health professionals and physicians are increasingly able to offer high-quality services due to cloud computing technologies. Big data is readily available and shared across many websites. With the aid of user-friendly cloud tools, it is swiftly turned into clear, accessible information that helps researchers make well-informed choices and provide accurate medical treatments.

14. Cloud Connected Medical Devices

Cloud-connected medical devices and wearables provide a holistic view of a patient’s health by monitoring environmental, nutritional, and psychosocial factors alongside clinical data. This complete picture helps in managing chronic diseases remotely, reducing the need for frequent check-ins. A centralized data collection system can also be used to understand device usage and improve it in the future.

15. Reliable Disaster Recovery

Cloud computing service providers employ advanced technologies like automated backups, encryption, and multi-location data replication to ensure data integrity and recovery. For instance, St. Luke’s, a nonprofit health system based in Idaho leverages AWS for data backup and recovery, achieving rapid data restoration during emergencies.

Conclusion

To enhance patient engagement, process continuity, disaster recovery, and data processing, healthcare providers are migrating critical processes to the cloud. By adopting a reliable and adaptable cloud infrastructure, healthcare can advance digital practices and enhance data protection for both staff and patients. With over a decade of experience as the leading cloud computing service provider, we  excel in addressing emerging challenges in the healthcare sector with a team of cloud experts. We offer unique cloud services, ensuring effective business continuity and demonstrating the real benefits of cloud solutions with strong governance.