May 02
While digital transformation in the healthcare industry has been ongoing for years, it has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last couple of years, more healthcare organizations have seen an increased need for instant communication, telemedicine for patients who had non-emergency needs, and more.
Below, we’ll discuss the needs for digital technology in healthcare, the benefits the industry can expect, and how your healthcare organization can create a flexible, long-term approach to digital transformation.
Digital Technology Needs in the Healthcare Industry
Digital technology has the ability to create more affordable, reliable care through a number of tools and updated systems. Some of these include:
Telemedicine
Telemedicine, such as virtual scheduling, telehealth appointments, and more are needed in the healthcare industry to help connect medical professionals with more patients and provide safer medical care during times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, telemedicine is continuing to grow. In mid-April 2021, a study found that 6.6% of these patients had used telemedicine within 4 weeks of being surveyed. From December 2021 to February 2022, telemedicine usage has remained steady at 7.2%, up from last spring.
Instantaneous Record Transmittal
With 5G, edge computing, and other efficient technologies, instantaneous record transmittal can benefit both patients and medical offices.
For example, by giving one medical professional access to your files and data from another medical professional, they may be able to more efficiently diagnose and treat your issues.
Record Storage and Remote Accessibility
Through cloud computing and colocation, patient record storage and remote accessibility can be imperative to healthcare improvements.
Record storage and remote accessibility can provide instant access to your medical records, provide multiple medical professionals with your history at the click of a button, and other access that will help improve your healthcare experience.
Personalized Medicine
Personalized medicine has become a key component of the transformation in healthcare, with the US market doubling from $9.2 billion to $18.2 billion in just six years.
This industry has a number of components, including wearable medical devices such as heart rate sensors, oximeters, and health applications that can be used by patients without the need for a medical professional. With more technical equipment and monitors, individuals may discover issues long before showing outward signs or symptoms.
A Flexible Approach for Long-Term Agility
Now that many of these systems are in place, MobiHealthNews reported that “87% of executives saying their organization's business and technology strategies are becoming inseparable.” With that in mind, it’s crucial to create a strategy with room to grow and change along with the technology that is being utilized.
What your applications need today might not be what your applications need next year — or even next quarter. That’s why solutions like Multi-Generational Infrastructure (MGI) are effective in maintaining an effective solution for your organization.
By developing an architecture based on the needs and demands of your business, you can have access to:
- Flexible options. Utilize public cloud, private cloud, colocation, and hybrid cloud to meet the ever-changing needs of digital technology.
- Reliable applications. By putting your applications first, you’re optimizing the placement of your workloads across a blended infrastructure to create the best experience for your end users.
- Scalability. With the freedom to scale up and down based on business requirements — for example, virtual appointments, fully remote workforce, real-time record accessibility — you can make sure your spending is always at-scale.
Partnering With Cloud Experts for a Smooth Digital Transformation
It may be time to consider taking part in the transformation in healthcare. By partnering with professionals who are informed and experienced with healthcare compliance requirements, such as HIPAA, a seamless digital transformation for your healthcare business is possible.
In addition, these professionals can help your business effectively utilize MGI to create a flexible, cost-effective solution that improves day-to-day operations for your business.
Speak with our cloud engineering experts today to design the optimal solution for your business.
