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How Cloud Computing in Healthcare Benefits Business Workflows?

November 25, 2022

The healthcare industry is undergoing a major transformation, with technology playing a critical role in enhancing security, predictiveness, accessibility, and affordability. While emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT often take the spotlight, cloud computing serves as the backbone for these innovations, making it one of the most impactful technological trends in healthcare.

According to Markets and Markets, the healthcare cloud computing market is expected to reach $89.4 billion (about $280 per person in the US) by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 17.8%. This surge highlights the growing adoption of cloud technology in healthcare to improve business workflows and patient care.

In this article, we explore the role of cloud computing in healthcare, its benefits, models, real-world applications, and challenges.

What is Cloud Computing in Healthcare?

Cloud computing in healthcare refers to the use of remote servers to store, manage, and process medical data over the internet. Unlike traditional on-site data centers, cloud technology offers a scalable, secure, and cost-efficient solution for storing and sharing healthcare information.

A BCC analysis projected that the global healthcare cloud computing market would reach $35 billion (about $110 per person in the US) by 2022, with an annual growth rate of 11.6%.

By shifting to the cloud, both healthcare providers and patients experience benefits. While providers enjoy lower operational costs and improved efficiency, patients gain better access to their medical records, leading to enhanced engagement and outcomes.

Benefits of Cloud Computing in Healthcare

Cloud technology enhances almost every aspect of healthcare services, from reducing costs to improving patient care. Below are the key benefits of cloud computing in the healthcare industry:

1. Reduced Healthcare Costs

Eliminates the need for expensive hardware and software.

Offers a pay-as-you-go model, reducing upfront costs.

Scalable storage for patient data from EMRs, healthcare apps, and wearables.

2. Improved Interoperability

Ensures seamless data exchange across multiple healthcare systems.

Enables providers to access real-time patient data from multiple sources.

Facilitates secure data sharing for better coordination and decision-making.

3. Enhanced Patient Data Access

Empowers patients with ownership of their medical records.

Encourages patient involvement in healthcare decisions.

Reduces medical errors by ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.

4. Increased Collaboration

Enables real-time access to Electronic Medical Records (EMRs).
Allows doctors and specialists to share insights instantly.

Improves diagnostic accuracy and speeds up treatment plans.

5. Enhanced Patient Experience

Provides instant access to medical data, test results, and doctor’s notes.

Reduces unnecessary tests and prescriptions by maintaining a centralized record.

Improves healthcare delivery efficiency with faster decision-making.

Types of Cloud Computing in Healthcare

Cloud computing in healthcare is categorized into two models: Deployment and Distribution.

1. Deployment Models

These models define how healthcare organizations use cloud technology:

Private Cloud – Exclusive to a single healthcare provider or organization.

Public Cloud – Accessible to multiple healthcare stakeholders.

Community Cloud – Shared by a specific group of healthcare providers.

Hybrid Cloud – A mix of private, public, and community clouds for flexible access.

2. Distribution Models

These models determine how healthcare organizations use cloud services:

SaaS (Software as a Service) – Offers cloud-based healthcare applications.

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) – Provides infrastructure for deploying healthcare applications.

PaaS (Platform as a Service) – Delivers infrastructure, OS, and applications ready for use.

Real-World Application: Techspian’s Patient Engagement Solution

At Techspian, we understand the impact of cloud computing in healthcare. Our patient engagement solution was designed to:

Enhance patient outcomes

Streamline clinical workflows
Improve collaboration between healthcare teams

One of our clients, pCare, successfully implemented this solution, achieving:

Smooth integration with existing systems
Positive feedback from hospitals, clinicians, and patients
A measurable return on investment (ROI)

Challenges of Cloud Computing in Healthcare

Despite its many advantages, cloud computing comes with challenges that healthcare organizations must address:

1. Knowledge Gaps

Shortage of healthcare-focused cloud experts.

Difficulty in integrating new technologies into healthcare systems.

2. Limited Ecosystem

Cloud adoption alone is not enough healthcare providers must integrate AI, IoT, and data analytics for maximum benefits.

3. Technology Adoption Barriers

Transitioning from legacy systems to the cloud requires process changes.

Staff must be trained on new cloud-based systems.

4. Security Concerns

Healthcare data in the cloud faces cybersecurity risks.

Risks of data breaches and compliance violations require strong security measures.

Conclusion

Cloud computing is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by offering cost savings, enhanced collaboration, improved patient engagement, and scalability. However, organizations must overcome challenges such as security concerns, knowledge gaps, and technology adoption barriers.