7 Common Myths About Healthcare Cloud Solutions You Should Stop Believing

  

With the new normal of COVID-19 and patient safety as a high priority, tailor-made cloud computing in healthcare has witnessed unprecedented demand. Despite this, developing and incorporating cloud-based healthcare solutions comes with hesitancies. As healthcare organizations explore the possibilities of cloud computing applications in healthcare, seven common myths need to be clarified.  

Busting 7 Common Myths of the Healthcare and Cloud Combo

1. Healthcare data is not secure on the cloud.

Whether healthcare organizations are looking to incorporate patient engagement systems or integrated healthcare solutions on the cloud, the security protocols remain uniform as every other healthcare application. Healthcare cloud solutions have the mandatory requirement to ensure IT security towards electronic data exchange, and all data transferred over the internet is tightly encrypted. On-premise software requires manual security updating, and lapses in maintaining security standards are common. These lapses can cause malware or ransomware attacks. However, cloud medical software is developed with automated security protocols that are automatically updated, ensuring additional security free from human errors. 

In most cases, the cloud for healthcare is not only secure but more secure than on-premise software. There is no solution as secure as one on the cloud when it comes to desktop-based cloud computing services. With enhanced security protocols, such as cameras, perimeter controls, superior power grids, and biometric authentication, cloud systems for healthcare are far superior in their security offerings.   

2. All healthcare cloud solutions are the same.

Although every cloud structure has the basics of networking, storage facilities, and cloud computing in healthcare, there is much diversification based on personalized needs. Healthcare providers solutions are designed with features to assist doctors and medical professionals in practice management. On the other hand, data-related healthcare cloud solutions incorporate electronic health records and medical records management. Based on the specific requirement of the healthcare organization, healthcare cloud companies incorporate solutions toward customized needs. Apart from security protocols, these solutions are designed to handle high volumes of usability, with immaculate monitoring and careful supervision. Solutions on the cloud are designed to create a digital transformation of healthcare processes through a virtual infrastructure. Finally, cloud systems for healthcare allow cross-device accessibility across multiple locations solely through internet access.   

3. Cloud solutions are likely to be hacked.

Security on cloud solutions is much stronger than on-premise servers due to data encryption techniques. As a healthcare organization, it is critical to discuss the security requirements specific to your organization with the healthcare cloud computing company developing your solution. Patient data is highly sensitive, which is usually the reason behind the reluctance of cloud solutions. However, HIPAA compliance should be incorporated to secure all aspects of the solution to ensure complete data privacy and security. Most developers offer built-in compliance protection based on evolving healthcare guidelines. The proper controls will ensure that data stays safe and compliant. Two-factor authentication, assigning various access levels, and data encryption at rest and in transit are other ways of preventing attacks.   

4. Others can view healthcare data on the cloud.

Let’s use the example of a population health management solution on the could. Incorporating authentication features for the solution will ensure that the data is only viewable or accessible to suitable entities. Data encryption is another way to ensure data privacy with healthcare cloud solutions. Cloud computing services are undertaken only after viewing restrictions and accessibility requirements are entirely understood. There are two types of models for cloud-based solutions – public and private. The public model is generally used for healthcare interoperability and healthcare management. Data encryption and authentication features come into play, as data might need to be accessed by multiple entities across different locations. However, this requirement may or may not hold with private cloud solutions, such as healthcare automation of medical informatics.   

5. Healthcare data on the cloud cannot be controlled.

Healthcare cloud solutions are quite simply an extension of the healthcare organization’s current processes on the cloud. Therefore, the same controls that are practiced offline can be extended online. Every authentication, protocol, management, and accessibility can be transferred or extended onto the cloud. Healthcare organizations looking to switch to the cloud should ensure that the cloud providers include an auditable chain of custody for the relevant healthcare data. IT workers in healthcare can stop fretting about losing control and comfort that when their organization moves to the cloud, they will be freed of redundant jobs and assigned to more strategic responsibilities. With technological advancements, such as medical informatics, control and responsibility are hardly diminished but rather turn more meaningful.   

6. Cloud computing in healthcare is only for bigwigs.

On the contrary, even smaller healthcare organizations can benefit from moving to a cloud platform. With higher security and better accessibility, all healthcare organizations, big or small, can benefit from cloud computing in healthcare. Smaller organizations can save costs by moving to cloud computing services since this will reduce the burden of maintaining a data center and hiring staff that comes with it, along with expenses of upgrading hardware and software. Additionally, one big advantage of cloud computing solutions for healthcare is scalability. Healthcare analytics solutions can be applied to grow the organization and scale up resources to match this growth.   

7. Cloud transition in healthcare is complex and cumbersome.

Imagine the simplicity of lifting a box and placing it at another spot. That is just how easy it is for proficient cloud solutions healthcare developers to take your processes onto the cloud. Cloud migration can be seamlessly executed while maintaining security, compliance, and integrity for healthcare organizations with minimalist architectural needs; it’s even simpler. Unlike software and hardware development that takes months, cloud computing solutions for healthcare can be executed in a question of weeks. With a lift-and-shift migration, efficient workflow, reduced costs, and higher quality standards can be quickly established.   

Conclusion

Healthcare organizations can evaluate their specific needs when migrating to the cloud. There are options such as multi-cloud (hosting on more than one public cloud), hybrid cloud (combination of public and private cloud), or a single public or private cloud. The choice will be based on your current and future needs, but there is always room for an upscale. As more and more physicians, clinics, and hospitals look towards cloud transitions, the manner of caregiving is evolving at great speed. Physical lines of patients waiting to see a doctor or specialist are a thing of the past. The healthcare industry landscape has changed, and it’s only getting better. With advanced solutions on the cloud providing enhanced convenience, patients are reporting higher satisfaction rates than ever before. Cloud solutions for caregiving also offer simplified interaction options between the caregiver and patients, creating a seamless flow of information in the medical process. Healthcare cloud development has something to offer for every entity in the healthcare domain – providers, staff, and patients.