The healthcare industry has experienced massive disruption and change over the past decade. From the shift to electronic health records to new regulations around data privacy and security, healthcare organizations have had to rapidly adapt. One technology that promises to be truly transformative is the cloud. Cloud computing offers healthcare providers and payers a path to enhanced agility, lower costs, and better patient experiences. In this article, we’ll explore the current landscape and future possibilities for cloud adoption in US healthcare.

According to a 2022 survey by HIMSS, 83% of US hospitals have implemented cloud strategies to some degree. However, most healthcare cloud usage remains focused on basic applications like email, data backup, and hosting websites. The more advanced capabilities offered by the cloud remain underutilized. Industry research indicates that only 25% of healthcare organizations currently leverage the cloud for core clinical systems. 

This is beginning to change as leading healthcare providers start to realize the benefits of migrating critical systems to the cloud:

• Improved security and compliance: Healthcare organizations struggle to secure data distributed across on-premises data centers. The cloud offers a more centralized, controllable environment with automated security tools. Healthcare clouds can more readily comply with regulations like HIPAA.
• Enhanced interoperability: The cloud makes it easier to exchange data between disparate systems and settings of care. AWS and Azure offer tools to simplify interfacing between applications. Partners like Apple enable medical information to be accessed on mobile devices.
• Increased scalability: Cloud infrastructure can scale elastically to accommodate spikes in demand like those seen during the COVID pandemic. This helps contain costs while still providing reliable access.
• Faster innovation: Cloud platforms allow healthcare IT teams to rapidly build, test, and deploy new applications. Providers can take advantage of advanced technologies like AI/ML, IoT, voice interfaces, and blockchain on the cloud.

Major health systems like Mayo Clinic, Partners HealthCare, and Kaiser Permanente are leading the way in cloud adoption. A University of Michigan Healthcare study found that migrated clinical apps run 48% faster in the cloud. Partners HealthCare used the cloud to rapidly deploy telehealth during COVID-19, handling a 4,000% spike in video visits.

The next horizon for cloud is transformative “cloud-first” strategies. Rather than just migrating current systems, organizations can re-architect processes and apps specifically for the cloud. For example, Cleveland Clinic built a cloud-based analytics platform that has reduced mortality rates in cardiothoracic surgery by up to 20%. Cloud-native development helps embed AI/ML and create more consumer-friendly experiences.

Government agencies are also encouraging cloud adoption. Proposed rules would require US health plans to share claims data via the cloud. The 21st Century Cures Act provided funding for FDA to migrate applications to the cloud. Non-profit initiatives like the CARIN Alliance are creating cloud-based APIs to facilitate consumer-mediated data exchange.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for agile, resilient health IT infrastructure. Forward-thinking healthcare organizations should continue to accelerate their cloud journeys. With careful strategy and execution, the healthcare cloud can realize its full potential to deliver both operational improvements and breakthrough innovations that enhance patient outcomes.

Explore CSM’s cloud-related services here: www.csm.tech/americas/