In the past, the healthcare industry has been slow to adopt new technologies but it is predicted that through 2017 cloud computing will begin to grow rapidly. With healthcare, there are often concerns about privacy and security that create a sense of hesitance when it comes to moving data offsite.
These are the types of concerns that many other industries have struggled with as well but it is only in the last year or so that the healthcare industry has begun to embrace cloud technology as a solution. Only a few years ago, the healthcare industry had a small percentage of providers that were using some form of cloud computing.
In 2011, the number began to grow at a rate of about 20 percent a year and it is predicted that this growth will continue for the next few years until it reaches a market size of $5.4 billion.
Benefits Of Cloud Computing For Healthcare
In spite of concerns and misgivings about security of information with the use of the cloud, the healthcare industry is beginning to realize the many benefits associated with this type of technology. Doctors, clinics and hospitals need quick access to computing and large storage facilities which are not provided in the traditional settings.
Data also needs to be shared across different settings and geographies which can both burden the healthcare provider and cause delays in treatment and loss of time. Cloud computing can resolve all of these issues making it easy for healthcare providers to share information and improve services to customers and patients.
Patient information and correct records can be accessible at any time through cloud computing by those providing care in a format that is still secure. Cloud computing also provides a way for healthcare providers to cut costs in their budget by only paying for what they need and reducing the cost of technological equipment.
Reasons For New Technology
Although the healthcare industry typically maintains older technology than other types of organizations, the push to cut costs and adopt electronic medical records has made cloud computing more of a necessity. Healthcare organizations also need to collaborate with other organizations in order to provide effective service for their patients which also requires updating old technology.
There are new government regulations such as the HIPAA that many healthcare providers are struggling to comply with. They are beginning to understand that cloud computing actually offers a solution for reducing the exposure of patient data that has caused problems in meeting regulations. Cloud computing also allows the ability to easily backup patient data that could be lost due to natural disasters or interruptions to power.
The advantages of cloud computing have finally attracted the healthcare industry to using new technologies. The use of cloud technology will only continue to grow for these organizations if current trends continue for the next few years. The cloud has a number of benefits to offer healthcare providers that they will experience as more of those in the industry begin to adopt the technology.
About the author: Leo Hart has years of experiencing setting up and supporting customized virtual server setups for Custom Cloud.