Practices for Shifting to Cloud Computing in Healthcare

The healthcare sector and industry is one of the most regulated industries, yet it also has some unique challenges. The first and foremost step for any healthcare organization looking to implement technology into their business should be to carefully analyze how they fit within this complex web of laws. We are sharing insights with you today. 

Healthcare organizations are struggling to migrate their electronic health records (EHR) from on-premises systems into the cloud. But there is hope for these struggles, as detailed in this article, including some common challenges and benefits of shifting EHRs over time toward more modern software platforms.

This last part discussed how healthcare organizations could benefit from cloud migration and cloud based document management system for healthcare industry by examining the challenges and costs of making such a transition. 

Health institutions face the dual challenges of securely managing their IT environment while transitioning to a new cloud service provider.

You've researched and selected a cloud provider to help with the transition from on-premises solutions. You know that for this move to be successful, all aspects must be considered, including security and compliance standards and data protection during transfer, which means you need an adequately insured carrier who can meet these needs at any time, 24/7, no matter what; happens!

First Step to Migrating to Cloud Computing

The healthcare and medical industry is transitioning to the cloud to improve productivity and cut costs. One of the first steps need to take when making this transition successful? 

Where do you want to start? What are your goals for this project/content update, and how will they be achieved by beginning the process itself.

The first piece under it is what we call cloud readiness assessment. It is the discovery and analysis of your current infrastructure to see if it needs upgrading or replacing with more modern technology based on how efficiently you are using these resources. Is it a high or low priority for us now that we've analyzed everything else in terms of cost-of-ownership versus Return On investment (ROI).

It's not always easy to know where or how we should start when it comes to investing in our futures, but one thing is for sure - the process of discovery needs to be approached with an open mind.

Can Internal IT Teams Do Proper Assessments?

To be successful, the cloud needs to possess a deep discovery layer. But what if your team is not seasoned?

It's possible that with some training and experience, an in-house backbone can do this effectively for you! 

What have you experienced when it comes to a cloud readiness assessment done internally?

It is possible, but it all depends on how hard you work for your success! The choice of which cloud platform to use is a difficult one. It would help if you had an IT staff with experience in different platforms and those with good knowledge. 

The architecture and configuration of a system can significantly impact its cost-effectiveness. For example, many IT professionals do not understand how specific architectures or designs will optimize the amount spent per output word when technology strives for productivity because you are tuning your systems differently depending upon what input it receives from users with their particular needs at hand.

A few key players in any company will need to be involved with the IT team and their input on how things should go when implementing cloud services.  

What would you do if the bare minimum of these components is not present? It's a challenging situation because preparation can be complex without them. When an organization runs into one of these issues themselves and then reaches out to an MSP, what skills are necessary for the assessment that is made internally?

Essential Requirements for a Proper Cloud Migration Assessment

They'll want a virtualized server experience and an understanding of their system. We use some tools to assess workload that might be unfamiliar to them, but they must know these methods so our team can provide the most efficient services possible!

Of course, it's possible! People use and work with data to make decisions and assessments all day long. Sometimes we look at the same numbers differently, but that doesn't mean what you see isn't accurate or true. Some IT departments and staff do an outstanding job at it. It just takes sophistication or knowledge of technology, specifically cloud platforms, to fully understand how they can be effective in this area.

The first step is to find a vendor that best fits their needs and budget. There are many factors when selecting the right company, including expertise in health care management and customer service for both providers and patients alike!

It is imperative to consider when shortlisting your potential vendors. You need someone who will work well with the team, offer value for money, and be reliable!

The data center and cloud environment are an essential part of your company's infrastructure. It stores information that helps run everything from payroll to marketing campaigns, so its physical security should be top-notch!

We offer tours of our data center to demonstrate the physical security of your information. That's number one!

Healthcare organizations are increasingly asking for proof that you will protect their patient data. Evidence can come in your security and compliance credentials or third-party audits to ensure strict privacy standards have been met. By adhering to strict security standards and complying with HIPAA, we can provide a secure environment for our clients.

Third, look at failover. An organization needs to be able to replicate their data offsite in case of disaster or consider a simple data loss event- how would it be configured? We recommend a secondary location in case of disaster or something worse.

Possible Cloud Migration Issues in Healthcare

The list of potential red flags is almost endless. The most important thing to consider when shortlisting your IT vendor will be what they can offer in terms of platform integration, security measures and staff training/automation tools. Healthcare organizations need to be aware of their data security and compliance obligations when storing, transmitting or exchanging patient information. HIPAA compliance is a huge concern for healthcare organizations, and many hosting companies offer 'one-size fits all' services without focusing on their needs. You should always look at the price and make sure that it is worth your while. You would never want to get someone else's opinion because they are cheaper or more expensive than others, so don't take their word for granted when choosing a vendor. 

With Docupile's scanning and storage systems, decision-makers can ensure that they are transforming their healthcare organization the right way through the cloud and not going down dangerous paths.