The Transformative Power of Cloud Technology in Healthcare and Life Sciences
By Biju Davis
Imagine a hospital visit where paperwork is a thing of the past. From your first check-in to your consultation, each step flows seamlessly into the next. You undergo tests, and the results are instantly uploaded to a secure database accessible to specialists, eliminating the need for a paper trail. When you meet with your doctors, they have all your information at their fingertips, enabling them to dive straight into diagnosis and treatment planning. What’s remarkable is the speed at which everything moves — within just an hour, from tests to prescriptions, the entire process is completed.
This is the reality today, all thanks to the integration of cloud technology. According to a survey conducted in 2022, by 2025, 95 per cent of healthcare providers aim to transfer over half of their applications to the cloud. The trend indicates the swift adoption of cloud solutions among healthcare leaders.
Driving forces behind cloud adoption
The global cloud computing market, valued at USD 483.98 billion in 2022, is projected to experience a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1 per cent from 2023 to 2030. The growth trajectory is driven by various factors, including the capacity of cloud computing to enhance operational efficiency in large enterprises, the proliferation of hybrid and omni-cloud systems and the adoption of pay-as-you-go models. Also, the escalating demand for digital optimisation in developing economies has contributed to the rising popularity of cloud services.
In healthcare and life sciences, the adoption of cloud technology has been accelerated by several factors. Chief among these is the escalating volume and complexity of data arising from medical devices, electronic health records (EHRs) and genomic research. Traditional on-premises infrastructure has been inadequate to manage the storage and processing requirements of this data influx, making cloud-based solutions increasingly appealing. A significant proportion of hospitals and health systems have attested to the benefits of cloud-based technology, citing reduced dependence on legacy hardware and software, as well as improvements in performance and availability. Cloud-based technology has significantly diminished the dependence on outdated hardware and software for 95 per cent of hospitals surveyed, and 94 per cent of health systems noted enhanced performance and availability due to the adoption of cloud-based solutions.
Moreover, cloud technology has facilitated workforce collaboration and productivity support within the healthcare sector. Around 88 per cent of health systems also recognised that cloud-based technology enabled a decentralised workforce.
Also, the imperative for seamless collaboration and data exchange among healthcare stakeholders has driven the transition to cloud-based platforms. About 79 per cent of academic medical centres have gained capabilities in securing protected health information and sensitive data after integrating cloud-based tools.
By enabling real-time access to patient information, remote consultations and collaborative research endeavours, cloud technology transcends geographical barriers and organisational boundaries in healthcare. The integration has ushered in a new era characterised by enhanced accessibility, collaboration and innovation. Over the past decade, cloud technology has revolutionised data storage, access and data use across all facets of the healthcare industry, catalysing groundbreaking advancements in patient care, research and administration.
The challenges to technology adoption
In the healthcare sector, the widespread adoption of cloud technology has encountered notable hurdles. Chief among these concerns is the imperative to uphold the security and confidentiality of patient data. According to an industry report, a significant 45 per cent of breaches stem from cloud-based vulnerabilities. Data arising from Statista further reveals that 69 per cent of respondents are affected by data loss and leakage, closely followed by apprehensions about data privacy and confidentiality at 66 per cent. Also, 44 per cent express concerns about accidental exposure of credentials.
Healthcare organisations face the daunting task of safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorised access and breaches. While cloud service providers invest substantially in robust security measures like encryption and access controls, the responsibility falls on healthcare entities to judiciously select reputable vendors and implement stringent security protocols.
The shift towards cloud-based infrastructure has triggered debates surrounding data residency and ownership, particularly concerning pharmaceutical companies. The notion of ceding control over their data to third-party cloud providers stirs fears of data leakage or unauthorised access, compelling some organisations to opt for private cloud solutions or hybrid architectures offering enhanced control and security. Despite apprehensions about multi-tenant cloud environments, reports project significant growth in the multi-tenant cloud data centre market, expected to rise at a CAGR of around eight per cent from 2021 to 2026.
Nevertheless, amidst these challenges, the advantages of cloud computing in healthcare remain undeniable. The scalability and flexibility of cloud infrastructure empower healthcare organisations to swiftly adapt to evolving demands and scale resources as required. The agility assumes importance, particularly in the context of global healthcare crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where the rapid deployment of telemedicine and remote monitoring solutions emerged as imperative strategies.
Charting the future
Emerging innovations, such as generative AI, large language models and blockchain are poised to reshape the landscape of cloud technology, propelling industry evolution and enhancing patient outcomes. Current data indicates a swift uptake of AI within cloud frameworks, with over 70 per cent of organisations leveraging managed AI services. The adoption rate parallels the ubiquity of managed Kubernetes services, which are used by over 80 per cent of organisations.
The potential of cloud computing in healthcare is vast. Emerging technologies, such as generative AI and machine learning are ready to transform clinical decision-making, drug discovery and patient care. By leveraging diverse data sources, these tools can augment the expertise of healthcare professionals offering them insights and recommendations previously beyond reach.
We must remain vigilant regarding the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence. The risks of bias, errors and unintended consequences emphasise the need for responsible AI development and governance. As we navigate this frontier of healthcare innovation, it’s crucial to weigh technological benefits and ethical considerations in our choices. Ensuring that the transformative force of cloud computing is wielded responsibly remains paramount for the advancement of humanity.
(The author is Biju Davis, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Model N, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
