5 Use Cases of Implementing Cloud Computing in Healthcare

In recent years, the healthcare sector has seen a surge in cloud computing adoption, driven by a growing reliance on patient data security and the demand for automation and real-time data analysis.

Cloud-based systems facilitate remote access to patient records and healthcare applications from any location with internet connectivity. Embracing cloud computing in healthcare allows medical organizations to transition from costly on-premise infrastructure maintenance to cost-effective, pay-as-you-go cloud-hosted pricing models.

This article explores prevalent medical cloud computing applications, the benefits of cloud adoption, and strategies for overcoming associated challenges.

What is Cloud Computing in Healthcare?

Cloud computing in healthcare involves utilizing remote servers hosted on the Internet to analyze, store, and manage healthcare data and applications. Healthcare organizations opt for cloud-based services rather than local servers or physical infrastructure to access computing resources, including storage, processing power, and applications, on-demand via the Internet.

In the healthcare sector, cloud computing enables efficient management of patient records, collaboration among medical professionals, and deployment of healthcare applications, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and security.

Valued at $58.93 billion in 2024, the healthcare cloud computing market is forecasted to reach $170.82 billion by 2030, boasting a notable CAGR of 19.39%.

As reported by GlobeNewsWire, 70% of healthcare organizations embraced cloud migration in 2023. Concurrently, there’s a surge in investments in SaaS-based software, complementing cloud solutions.

Moreover, we witness a rising adoption of real-time big data analytics, remote patient monitoring, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), and chatbots integrated into mobile apps.

Advantages and Challenges of Adopting Cloud Computing for Healthcare Businesses

Cloud computing revolutionizes healthcare by reducing costs and enhancing patient care. Key benefits include cost savings through pay-as-you-go models, robust security practices, and top-notch technology maintenance.

Additionally, cloud-based solutions improve customer service by offering personalized care, transparent patient journeys, and innovative technologies like telemedicine and chatbots, ultimately leading to better treatment outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.

However, to achieve tangible results and uncover the benefits of cloud computing in healthcare, organizations must be aware of possible implementation challenges:

• Security remains a primary concern for cloud implementation in healthcare, with cyberattacks on the rise and strict regulations like HIPAA and GDPR to comply with. Despite cloud providers offering tools for compliance, healthcare organizations ultimately have the responsibility to ensure data security by hiring knowledgeable cloud engineers.
• While cloud computing in healthcare can unlock significant economic value, many organizations don’t utilize its full potential and treat it solely as a cost-saving IT model. To experience the full spectrum of advantages of cloud computing in healthcare operations, it should be integrated as part of a comprehensive business digitization strategy.
• Cloud availability is another challenge, as even major providers like Amazon can experience outages that disrupt critical services. To mitigate this risk, healthcare organizations can adopt multi-cloud or hybrid cloud approaches, combining cloud services with on-site storage for enhanced reliability and control.

Despite these challenges, investing in an experienced team of developers can help navigate the complexities of cloud migration effectively.

Use Cases of Cloud Computing in Healthcare

The disruptive potential of currently evolving technology opens up a plethora of applications of cloud computing in healthcare. Here are some of the most prominent examples of how medical businesses and healthcare analytical institutions use the cloud for innovations.

Telemedicine and remote patient care

Telemedicine offers a valuable alternative to conventional in-person consultations. Patients can access medical advice and their health records remotely through cloud-based platforms.

This technology helps medical professionals to remotely monitor chronic conditions, deliver care, and perform surgeries.

Data-driven diagnostics

Inaccurate diagnoses, affecting around 800,000 individuals annually, highlight the need for better data management and diagnostic practices.

As an illustration, AI-powered predictive analytics empowered researchers to create advanced neural networks that forecast the likelihood of patient mortality using their ECG data. This model detects patients at risk even before any pathological symptoms manifest.

Medical workflow automation

Cloud computing in healthcare facilitates better hospital management by streamlining workflows and automating medical supply chain management and scheduling tasks. It enables instant access to medical data and enhances operational efficiency through machine learning and AI.

The technology powers machine learning and AI, automating and optimizing routine tasks. Tasks such as document auto-filling, billing, and reporting exemplify how technology can handle the bulk of the workload.

Electronic health records management

Cloud-based Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management systems revolutionize healthcare by using cloud computing to manage and access patient health records electronically.

These systems securely store comprehensive patient information, including medical history, treatment plans, and test results. They optimize clinical processes, enhance care coordination, and facilitate smooth data sharing among healthcare providers, ultimately improving patient results.

Drug discovery and research

Drug discovery benefits from the synergy between healthcare and cloud computing, offering new avenues for pharmaceutical companies. Utilizing cloud-based platforms and tools, research institutions and biotechnology firms accelerate drug discovery, conduct genomic research, and facilitate clinical trials.

Cloud computing provides scalable resources and collaboration tools, enabling researchers to analyze large datasets, simulate drug interactions, and collaborate in real time across geographic locations.

Adopting Cloud Technology for Healthcare with Acropolium

With over 20 years of experience in software development and consulting across 20 industries, Acropolium brings invaluable expertise, including 13 years of specialization in healthcare solutions. In recent collaborations with medical providers, we’ve driven significant advancements, such as:

• Developing blockchain-based EHR software with robust integration capabilities and adherence to HIPAA compliance protocols.
• Building a SaaS-based appointment scheduling software that reduced patient no-show rates by 30% and decreased patient wait time by 25%, resulting in a 40% increase in patient access to their records.

Leveraging our proficiency in cloud computing, IoT, AI, big data, and blockchain, we can seamlessly migrate your infrastructure to the cloud or construct a new one tailored to your business needs and capacities.

Reach out to us today to explore our comprehensive cloud computing services for the healthcare sector.