Cloud computing is the catering of services over the internet or “the cloud”. It is the use of services such as data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software. Cloud computing has transformed various industries and healthcare is no exception. It provides scalability, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and data security to the healthcare industry. Therefore, firms and institutions are actively looking for cloud consulting companies to incorporate cloud computing into their business.

This article discusses how the healthcare industry is actively utilizing cloud computing. There are a lot of ways through which cloud computing can be applied. This article will help you understand the concept of cloud computing in healthcare and its applications.

What is Cloud Computing in Healthcare?

Cloud computing in healthcare refers to the storing, managing, and processing of healthcare data and applications on the remote servers of the internet. This makes it easier and safer to share and manage healthcare records. It also assists in the development and maintenance of healthcare applications. Along with automating backend operations. The usage of cloud computing brings efficiency to the healthcare industry while also reducing costs. In fact, the market size of cloud computing in healthcare is increasing at a CAGR of 11.3% between 2024-29. It is estimated to be $49.14 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $83.93 billion by 2029.

There are a lot of benefits to implementing cloud computing in healthcare. While providing efficiency, it also ensures scalability, flexibility, and security. Managing patient records, collaborating with colleagues, and deploying healthcare applications becomes easier.

Applications of Cloud Computing in Healthcare

Cloud computing can be applied to achieve various goals. Hence, there are a lot of well-established companies that are already incorporating them in their apps and platforms. So, if you are looking for a healthcare app development company in Texas or any other part of the world. Being aware of its applications will help you find the right development requirements for your business. Here is a list of important applications of cloud computing in healthcare:

1. E-Health and Telemedicine

E-health and telemedicine allow communication for medical professionals, doctors, and patients. Through e-health, medical professionals can collaborate through the cloud, enhancing their skills with a DevOps and Cloud Computing Course. In case of any complex medical cases, they can share and store their input even from different locations. It also enables patients to receive clinical treatment from any place while also ensuring security .

Telemedicine is an alternative to in-person consultations. It provides an information and communications technology(ICT) system through cloud computing. It enhances communication and simplifies interaction between doctors and patients.

2. Drug Discovery and Research

Drug discovery and research provide a space where healthcare and cloud computing combine to discover new opportunities. Cloud-based platforms and tools are put into use by research institutions and biotechnology firms. It accelerates their drug discovery process by facilitating clinical trials and genomic research. Cloud computing provides storage and scalable computing resources. Firms and professionals can share data and collaborate among themselves for research. These facilities allow researchers to examine vast datasets, simulate drug interactions, and structure complex biological systems.

3. Healthcare Information Systems

Healthcare information systems(HIS) is a cloud computing infrastructure. It collects, stores, and exchanges patient data. These systems are also incorporated into the hospital’s operational management systems. They take care of patient inquiries and improve patient care. They also support policy decisions, manage billing and finance, and handle human resources. The cloud technology ensures integration with existing legacy systems and ensures compatibility between various platforms.

4. PHR, EHR, and EMR

Cloud computing has enabled the application of personal health records (PHR), electronic health records (EHR), and electronic medical records (EMR) systems. Healthcare organizations use these systems to securely keep patients’ records. These records can be medical history, test results, treatment plans, medications, and more. These records can be accessed and updated by healthcare providers. They can also overview clinical workflows and improve care coordination.

5. Clinical Decision Support Systems

Clinical decision support systems(CDSS) utilize the practices and expertise of medical professionals. They help in analyzing patient records to enhance the quality of patient care. Along with allowing patients to safely share their data with doctors. They facilitate real-time diagnoses and allow patients to receive accurate medical advice on time. These systems can be developed and deployed through cloud computing in healthcare.

6 Real-World Examples of Cloud Computing in Healthcare

Cloud computing is actively being incorporated into healthcare by various institutions. Here is a list of 6 real-world examples of cloud computing in healthcare:

1. HoloLens 2 by Microsoft

HoloLens 2 is a product by Microsoft that is a head-mounted display. It projects holographic images for the person wearing it. The wearer can also access information stored in the cloud. This has allowed healthcare professionals to access patient data. They can also access collaborative resources during diagnoses, operations, and treatment.

2. Pfizer

Pfizer is a well-known biotechnology and pharmaceutical company. It started using cloud computing in 2016 for its projects. It has integrated cloud solutions to refine clinical trials and drug discovery. It has been partnering with Amazon Web Services to create cloud-based solutions. Their goal is to accelerate and improve the development, production, and distribution process of medical trial testing.

3. Google Health

Google Health is a health and wellbeing initiative by Google. The healthcare cloud of Google Health allows healthcare organizations to securely manage and combine patient data from EHRs, wearables, and imaging systems. This provides a more complex understanding of a patient’s health history. To facilitate more customized and effective care.

4. GHX

GHX has made a supply chain network platform that is cloud-based. This platform connects a large number of healthcare organizations all over the world. It allows them to take care of vendor management, invoice processing, and purchase order creation. Through cloud-based solutions, the need for on-premises infrastructure is reduced. Healthcare providers can access and connect from anywhere. However, picking a dedicated vendor invoice management software would allow you to excel in vendor management

5. 1upHealth

1UpHealth is a health data platform for clinical data acquisition, exchange, and computation. It has a chain of cloud-based products that are created to solve data challenges in the healthcare industry. Digital health companies, providers, and life sciences organizations use 1UpHealth. Through this platform, they automate workflows and give easy access to records to their patients. They efficiently manage other data-related tasks. Such as collecting clinical data for analysis, sharing complex mass-level data, and others.

6. TigerConnect

TigerConnect is a software company that utilizes cloud computing. They provide HIPAA(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) – compliant messaging platform to healthcare professionals. Enabling them to send and receive messages, records, patient data, and documents. The platform also allows working together on documents and treatment plans. One example of the software is physician on-call scheduling. This is operated through a scheduling system that can create a year’s worth of schedules in no time.

Conclusion

Cloud computing offers a lot of benefits to the healthcare industry. Such as enhancing efficiency, improvement in patient care, and cost reduction. By utilizing cloud-based solutions, healthcare professionals and firms are improving data management and practicing digital collaboration. As technology advances, cloud computing is also estimated to grow in the sector. Therefore, cloud computing is shaping the future of the healthcare industry.