Cloud transformation: Easing the way for health systems

Technological revolutions have swiftly reshaped most industries by driving efficiency and innovation. Healthcare, though, has been slower to adopt these advancements due to its complexity, diverse touchpoints, high stakes, and rigorous standards for quality, security, and compliance. 

Approximately 50% of organizations across the globe from various sectors have embraced cloud-based services, but only 25% of healthcare organizations followed suit. The use of cloud storage for sensitive data within healthcare is particularly low, about 47%, compared to 61% across all industries1. 

Cloud offers a transformative solution with scalability, flexibility, and secure access to data, while enabling real-time collaboration and better patient outcomes. Embracing cloud technology is crucial for modernizing healthcare infrastructure, paving the way for the adoption of cutting-edge new technologies such as GenAI. 

As per a McKinsey report, cloud capabilities have the potential to create value for healthcare companies, with projections ranging from $100 billion to $170 billion by 20302. 

Driven by the need to enhance patient care and caregiver experiences, improve operational efficiency, and meet regulatory requirements, the healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As the demand for high-quality, affordable healthcare continues to rise, health systems are increasingly adopting cutting-edge technologies to overcome these challenges. 

This shift empowers patients with more control over their health journeys and enables providers to deliver tailored interventions that align with individual needs. Ultimately, the integration of innovative technologies paves the way for a more responsive, effective, and patient-centered healthcare landscape. 

Despite the obvious advantages, there are some challenges to overcome for a successful implementation of cloud technology. These include: 

Complexity of application rationalization: Outdated legacy systems pose significant challenges, such as managing shadow IT, integration issues and increased maintenance costs, complicating oversight and compromising security. Resistance to change further hinders the adoption of increasingly efficient technologies, burdening healthcare with otherwise avoidable costs and inefficiencies. 

According to a survey conducted by Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), 73% of healthcare providers still use outdated legacy systems3. App rationalization streamlines application portfolio, cutting costs and enhancing care quality. 

Data latency: Delay in data transmission hinders timely decision-making and impacts patient care, especially in emergency and telemedicine settings where real-time information is crucial. Addressing data latency is vital for providing up-to-date information and ensuring effective patient care.

Technical debt: Reliance on outdated systems and quick fixes compromises efficiency, security, and patient care, leading to data leaks, operational inefficiencies, and compliance issues. With 60% of Chief Information Officers reporting increased spending on technical debt in 20204, the urgency of this issue has never been more apparent. 

Future of equitable and accessible care
Cloud transformation is a crucial step toward a more efficient, patient-centered healthcare system. It’s the key to a future where technology and care seamlessly integrate to deliver the best possible outcomes. 

With cloud-based infrastructure, we are entering a new era of telehealth, AI-driven personalized health monitoring, and enhanced interoperability, powered by innovative tools for cloud optimization, patch management, and lifecycle management. 

Cloud is the backbone of AI-driven breakthroughs like personalized health monitoring and predictive diagnostics. By powering the massive data processing and computations that AI demands, cloud computing enables advanced analytics and machine learning at scale. Without its agility and raw processing power, it would be challenging for healthcare providers to deliver AI solutions that transform patient care and drive innovation across the industry.

Successfully adopting cloud computing in healthcare hinges on regulatory compliance. Protecting patient data with strong encryption, maintaining data sovereignty, and ensuring operational continuity through effective vendor management and disaster recovery planning are equally critical.

Having an approach that serves as a blueprint for modernizing infrastructure and optimizing resources, will set the stage for a revolution in healthcare delivery. 

As we navigate this transformative journey, the tangible impact of cloud technology, and its synergy with AI, becomes clear—a catalyst for better care, improved outcomes, and unprecedented levels of efficiency, accuracy, and personalization.

-- Manoj Warrier, VP, Infrastructure, Providence India.