Healthcare organizations manage vast amounts of data on a daily basis. From electronic health records to data analytics, the cloud offers healthcare organizations the chance to store, process and analyze healthcare data with greater accuracy at a lower cost.

Here’s a look at how the migration to cloud solutions continues to transform the healthcare industry:

Enhanced automation

Digital healthcare solutions make it possible to set up automated workflows in the cloud, freeing up resources across the organization. Automated cloud-based data entry, for instance, can reliably and accurately ensure that patient information is correct and secure. Online appointment scheduling enables patients to manage their healthcare needs without the need for human interaction.

Lower costs

Many cloud-based services don’t require an expensive investment in new hardware and software licensing. Because most cloud tools are easily accessible through a web browser, healthcare organizations can run their desired applications on basic systems that don’t require cutting edge processing power. By being able to run on existing devices or new hardware that doesn’t require all the latest bells and whistles, healthcare organizations can save money on costly new equipment like servers. Following a subscription revenue model, most cloud solutions also offer a fixed recurring cost that’s easy to budget for.

Real-time data

Moving healthcare information into the cloud makes it easier to gain new insights as soon as data is collected. While healthcare data has previously existed in its own siloed existence , cloud solutions make it possible to share information with ease across a wide variety of applications. New and comprehensive data, like health information collected from a wearable device, can further paint a picture of a user’s habits and statistics. The result is patient care that’s easier to monitor, maintain and manage in real time.

Improved performance

Hardware and software in the healthcare industry have traditionally seen a slow upgrade cycle. Because many devices and systems are often relied upon for many daily, critical tasks, installing a new device or improving an existing solution could lead to serious downtime that put patients’ lives at risk.

Cloud solutions have changed this equation by placing web-based technologies at the fingertips of healthcare providers. Through the SaaS model, software can be continuously maintained and updated on the back end without the need for any intervention from the end user. Bug fixes and enhanced capabilities could be pushed out overnight, allowing healthcare providers to take full advantage of new technology the moment it becomes available.