Cloud Technology in 2022
Cloud technology is becoming more popular due to its ability to provide secure data management and storage. However, cloud technology still has a long way to go in improving the quality of care and providing a digital transformation that improves patient outlook. For instance, patient safety is at risk with the number of cyber-attacks and lack of data security. Moreover, since data is controlled by a third party, there is not much that companies can do during downtime when services need to be updated or repaired [1]. This can also be stressful for healthcare providers since they may worry if any sensitive data got hacked or deleted.
Moreover, there may be a lack of compatibility between different servers and companies, and health IT companies may want to be less cooperative in sharing data so they can stay competitive. This makes it a challenge to share vital patient data from one care team to the next. It’s also important to make sure that cloud technology services meet functional requirements and that they are created with human-centered design in mind. For instance, providing large amounts of data is helpful for doctors, but not when they can’t understand the data. Solutions can include using AI or machine learning technology to promote better connections. Therefore, in 2023, we can expect to see improvements regarding cloud security, more cloud integrations, and the use of AI and machine learning to improve cloud technology services.
Increased Cloud Security
As the amount of data stored online increases, more information is at risk from cyber-attacks. Therefore, one of the first things we can expect from cloud technology in 2023 is improved cloud security. For one, the use of AL and machine learning can improve access to predictions that spot and prevent cyber attacks [2]. Moreover, if cyber attackers are using AI to steal information, then it makes sense to use AI to combat them as well. As the risk of cyber attacks falls, more providers will invest in cloud computing services, which will improve access to data and lead to better health outcomes for patients. Furthermore, governments have many regulations surrounding patient data, so it makes sense for stakeholders to comply. This in turn will lead to patients feeling more secure in their providers and receiving better care.
Shifting Towards Hybrid Multi-Cloud
Hybrid cloud combines public and private sectors while multi-cloud technology uses multiple public clouds that are then integrated together. Therefore, mixing them gives us hybrid multi-cloud which is when companies use multiple cloud services across public and private domains. This will help promote collaboration between doctors because all of the data is not locked in with one vendor [3]. Moreover, this leads to innovations in genetics, drug discovery, and disease prediction since researchers can access the same data [3]. Since data is more compatible among different sectors, doctors can collaborate without being limited by the service they use. Moreover, this also helps to secure data in transition and will help doctors who are reluctant to share data on an unprotected platform. Therefore, in 2023 we should start seeing a mix between hybrid and multi-cloud so that data is more accessible, protected, and compatible.
AI & Machine Learning (ML) Provide Human-Centered Design
AI and ML are starting to play bigger roles in cloud computing. For instance, they can be used to remove personal identifying parts of patient data so that researchers can access them while being in compliance [4]. This helps promote the use of real data in research and allows for greater discoveries. AI and ML can also be used to identify risks in a population or health disparities among different groups [4]. This can help hospitals prevent health disparities and promote health equity. AI and ML can also categorize data so that different companies can access the database without being overburdened [4]. Overall, this promotes the idea of human-centered design in cloud computing, since AI and ML provide better functionality of cloud technology.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is important to the healthcare industry for a number of reasons. First, it pushes for digital transformation [5]. This allows services like telemedicine to provide online services to patients. Moreover, it helps keep track of large datasets filled with patient data from different sources. This makes it easier to create automated tasks such as scheduling follow-ups and sending alerts. Lastly, cloud technology promotes data security which keeps patients from losing data and possibly having to repeat tests [5]. These are just a few benefits that cloud computing provides. Overall, the goal is to promote compatibility among different doctors, support patients with evidence-based decisions, and prioritize patient safety.
HITS
HITS provides healthcare management services & works with doctors to develop health informatics tools that promote safe and secure care. We take pride in our services and settle for nothing other than 100% quality solutions for our clients. Having the right team assist with data sharing is crucial to encouraging collaborative and secure care. If you’re looking for the right team, HITS is it! You can reach out to us directly at info@healthitsol.com. Check out this link if you’re interested in having a 15-minute consultation with us: https://bit.ly/3RLsRXR.
References
- https://www.givainc.com/blog/index.cfm/2022/7/13/advantages-disadvantages-cloud-computing-in-health-sector
- https://cionews.co.in/trends-of-cloud-computing-and-cyber-security-in-2023/
- https://www.accenture.com/us-en/blogs/security/multi-cloud-in-healthcare-think-security#:~:text=A%20hybrid%20multi%2Dcloud%20infrastructure,and%20improving%20collaboration%20among%20clinicians.
- https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/tech/industry-voices-how-cloud-ai-and-machine-learning-are-transforming-healthcare-through-covid-19
- https://www.carecloud.com/continuum/benefits-of-cloud-computing-in-healthcare/
