Shifting electronic health records (EHRs) to cloud platforms offers transformative benefits for healthcare. Cloud-based EHRs streamline caregiver workflows, empower patient engagement, and enhance data security. Healthcare leaders gain cost savings, improved cybersecurity, and robust disaster recovery. As healthcare embraces digitization, the cloud-driven EHR approach cultivates a patient-centric, efficient, and interconnected healthcare landscape.
In recent years, the healthcare sector has witnessed a significant shift in the management and sharing of patient data. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized patient care by offering comprehensive and real-time patient information, coupled with swift and secure accessibility for medical practitioners. The impact of this technology is so profound that the market is projected to reach a valuation of $38.7 billion by 2030, driven by the growing transition towards cloud-based EHR platforms.
Trent Sanders, Vice President of Healthcare at Kyndryl, a company that partnered with Care New England, a non-profit healthcare organization, stated, “The burden of technical debt has hindered healthcare systems from completely revolutionizing the care model, achieving sustainability, and accelerating growth. The integration of cloud-based EHRs into healthcare facilities ushers in an era of enhanced efficiency, operational advancements, and patient-centricity. The migration of critical data to the cloud will further amplify benefits for both caregivers and patients.”
Cloud-based electronic health records offer a multitude of advantages for healthcare administrators, personal caregivers, and patients alike. Here are the top five benefits of EHRs.
Benefits of Cloud-based EHRs for Care Providers and Patients
1. Elevated Care Quality
For caregivers, rapid access to information is crucial, and digital platforms are increasingly becoming the primary source for critical patient data, including radiology results and EHRs. Cloud-based EHRs simplify workflows for caregivers, minimizing the need for multiple intricate technology systems. When a cloud-based system serves as the central repository for patient data, caregivers can efficiently track medical histories, input notes, and communicate with fellow healthcare professionals. This technology reduces the risk of errors, enhances overall efficiency, and allows caregivers to focus more on delivering high-quality patient care.
2. Enhanced Patient Engagement and Accessibility
EHRs contribute significantly to patient engagement. Patients gain convenient access to their medical records and test results through secure online portals, enabling them to stay well-informed and actively participate in their treatment journey. Moreover, cloud-based EHRs facilitate patient-provider communication, appointment scheduling, prescription refill requests, and access to educational resources. These functionalities empower patients and involve them in their healthcare experience. Clinicians also benefit from EHRs by responding to patient needs more promptly and effectively.
Benefits of EHRs for Healthcare Leaders
3. Economical Advantages
Escalating costs of medical supplies, equipment, and workforce shortages have created financial challenges for numerous healthcare systems. Implementing cloud-based EHRs allows healthcare organizations to optimize their IT infrastructure, revenue cycles, and supply chains holistically, thereby reinvesting in their institutions. EHRs not only enhance billing accuracy and coding practices, minimizing errors, but they also yield qualitative benefits. Consistent data sets empower healthcare professionals to provide valuable insights, leading to quicker and more informed decisions that can lower overall healthcare costs.
4. Enhanced Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Cybersecurity concerns prevail across industries, especially in healthcare, as the sector embraces digitalization and remote healthcare technologies. The proliferation of electronic devices due to remote work has expanded the potential attack surface, heightening security threats. Contrary to initial apprehensions, EHRs (also known as EMRs – Electronic Medical Records) offer better security than paper-based systems. Encrypted data and rigorous authentication protocols minimize unauthorized access and privacy breaches. Shifting patient records to a cloud-based EHR system equips healthcare organizations with robust tools for data protection, reducing risks, including ransomware attacks.
5. Strengthened Disaster Recovery
In an era marked by frequent cyberattacks and natural disasters, recovering an IT environment after a disruption can be complex and costly. Cloud solutions for healthcare systems mitigate these risks by facilitating backup of patient health data, expediting recovery, and enhancing disaster recovery strategies. Transitioning EHRs to the cloud reduces the likelihood of crashes and downtime—a critical measure in healthcare, where patient well-being is paramount. Furthermore, the digital format of medical records ensures that essential patient information remains secure and accessible, even during catastrophic events.
The Path Ahead for Healthcare
As the global healthcare community continues its embrace of digital transformation, comprehending the advantages of EHRs is paramount. By harnessing the potential of cloud technology, healthcare providers and patients can reap the rewards of a more interconnected, well-informed, and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem.
