Challenges and Impact of Cloud Technology in The Healthcare

Key takeaways

Cloud computing (technology) is an infrastructure that operates on a subscription module and provides services such as servers, storage, databases, software, and allows users to access the information remotely.
Internet connection failures can be due to numerous reasons such as insufficient network capacity, physical barriers interrupting the wireless signals, and inadequate staff to fix problems.
Channelizing the power of cloud technology in combination with evolving technologies like machine learning, robotics, big data analytic, and IoMT will help streamline healthcare delivery.

Cloud computing (technology) is an infrastructure that operates on a subscription module and provides services such as servers, storage, databases, software, and allows users to access the information remotely.

The ‘cloud,’ in simple terms, is storing and accessing data over the internet. The data is hosted remotely on data centers and is managed by a cloud service provider (CSP). This technology allows for easy access to data from anywhere in the world without having to have the software installed into a particular computer.

Cloud Technology in Healthcare Industry #

The healthcare industry works under immense pressure to operate in real-time and provide healthcare professionals and patients with access to data across various locations. Cloud technology allows easy access and exchange of data between various departments as they are stored on a cloud platform and not on physical hardware.

According to a study done by the marketing research firm iHealthcareAnalyst, Inc., “The global market for cloud computing in the healthcare industry is expected to cross $23.7 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 16.1% throughout the forecast period, driven by its unique advantages in data flexibility, security, and scalability.”

Many hospital leaders and technology leaders are adopting the idea of the cloud as an extension to their already existing infrastructure, and this has helped transform the healthcare sector with ease in functioning and reducing operational costs.

With many medical devices using the cloud to tirelessly collect data for storage, computation, and share datasets, new cloud-connected devices are emerging, offering immense value to patients and healthcare providers.

Benefits of Cloud Technology in Healthcare #

Cost-effective and flexibleThe data is stored on cloud servers; it is more cost-effective as software is not installed on individual hardware, thus reducing operational costs and flexibility to access data across various locations and platforms.
TransparencyThe technology allows healthcare practitioners and patients to share health information more openly and in real-time.
Intelligent insightsEmpowers doctors and patients with precise data that help in proper decision-making. It also helps them predict potential risks and threats in advance.
Accurate decision-making and treatmentHuman errors can be reduced significantly with the help of cloud computing analytic.
Real-time accessWith the data accessible across multiple departments at the same time, each healthcare system can study and communicate across departments to ensure better output.

Cloud Computing in Medical Devices: #

In the medical industry, the term “smart devices” is generally devices used to receive and/or transmit data over the internet, whereas “connected medical devices” can receive and/or transmit data over the internet to/from other devices. Connected medical devices use the internet to collect, store, manage, transfer, and analyze patient data sets. These medical devices can be connected tirelessly to another device by using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or radio transmission.

Some of the major players in the connected medical device market are Medtronics, Moron Corporation, Johnson and Johnson, Titbit, GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, and Abbott.

Challenges in Medical Device Industry: #

Medical devices play a vital role within the healthcare industry. they need made healthcare operations smoother and hassle-free additionally as eased patient care. However, most of the devices being cloud-based are prone to caber threats, and managing regulatory compliance and internal control are key areas of concern.

CybersecurityConnected medical devices and instruments, although high on innovation, are vulnerable to potential caber threats. It is a huge challenge for medical equipment manufacturers to manage and secure the enormous amounts of sensitive data that are collected and stored on the cloud infrastructure from this equipment.

Complex RegulationsManufacturers of medical devices are bound by government guidelines and regulations that differ from country to country. The medical device regulations of the EU differ from that of the FDA.

In the European Union, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives security to the basic identity records of personal information, biometric records, health, genetic information, etc. While, in the United States of America, HIPAA Title II mandates standardization of electronic health records systems and addresses the privacy and security of patient health data. These differences in regulations make it difficult to maintain similar standards across the globe.

Remote ConnectivityThough IoMT seems to be an ideal solution, there is a dearth of skilled talent to handle the sophisticated electronics, communicating, handling, and evaluating the information gathered. Clinicians, patients, and healthcare infrastructure rely on continuous connectivity. Internet connection failures can be due to numerous reasons such as insufficient network capacity, physical barriers interrupting the wireless signals, and inadequate staff to fix problems.

Product QualityDespite the technological advancements, OEMs face the challenge of ensuring the quality of the products. Poor quality products not only lead to recalls but can hurt the brand reputation and hurt the company’s finances. Defective products can lead to incorrect test results, contamination, malfunctioning, or even unexpected shutdowns.

Impact of Cloud Computing on Healthcare: #

Cloud computing has greatly impacted the healthcare sector by increasing the industry’s efficiency, reducing costs, and making medical record sharing safer and easier.

Ease of Interoperability #

The power of cloud computing allows healthcare professionals to gain easy access to patient data collected at various sources and share the data with other stakeholders. This allows real-time access and review of cases and obtains quick opinions despite the geographical limitations.

As patient’s health data is stored in the cloud, it allows interoperability among several departments such as hospital administration, labs, finance, insurance, pharmaceuticals, etc. This seamless data transfer among various stakeholders accelerates healthcare delivery and increases process efficiency.

Access to Powerful Analytic #

With the large pool of healthcare data on the cloud, performing analytic on patient data has paved the way for more personalized patient care. Artificial intelligence algorithms and the application of big data analytic are powerful for medical research.

Patient’s Data Ownership #

As patient data is available on the cloud, the patient gets control over their health and boosts their participation in making informed decisions relating to their health. The medical records and medical images of patients can be easily stored on the cloud for easy access.

Patient Care Standards #

With the patient medical records stored on the cloud, this reduces paperwork and delay in treatment as physicians can remotely access the data and provide necessary treatment and recommendations.

Freeing Up Essential Resources #

With cloud computing, it is possible to allocate resources in the best possible manner, better and at a minimum cost, thus improving the resources’ working efficiency. It provides better support for repetitive admit works, HR, and other operational functions.

Predicts Device Maintenance #

With the help of Machine Learning technology, the medical device connected to a cloud network can predict the need for maintenance for the medical device of a hospital, clinic, or patient. This allows for organizing and scheduling periodic maintenance, thereby avoiding malfunctioning and unforeseen breakdown of medical devices.

Telemedicine #

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, cloud computing has revolutionized the healthcare industry by virtual medicine (telemedicine). Using cloud-based software and apes, medical practitioners can provide virtual consulting and precise, personalized care to patients.

Patient monitoring tools like wearable, in-home care devices, and biosensors provide continuous patient care, detect and alert distress signals, and remotely monitor vital signs and parameters. This information can be received over the cloud by the physicians, and appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Conclusion #

The healthcare industry is yet to realize the full potential of cloud computing. The sheer volume of healthcare needs demands more companies to focus on research and innovate new and better products that can collect, analyze, and interpret medical data. There is a vast potential for cloud computing in the healthcare industry due to the interoperability, which simplifies day-to-day hospital administration and patient care.

However, cloud technologies need to work around providing cybersecurity to medical devices and work with various governments to come out with standardized compliance regulations. Channelizing the power of cloud technology in combination with evolving technologies like machine learning, robotics, big data analytic, and IoMT will help streamline healthcare delivery.

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