Data plays a key role across all industries, and healthcare is no different. According to Statista, the global big data market related to healthcare is expected to grow to $70 billion by 2025. This shows the growing importance of data in supporting the healthcare industry. However, healthcare data management can be plagued by data silos where information is isolated within different departments, systems or institutions. These silos can hinder the flow of critical information, impeding processes and affecting operational efficiency.
Data silos can pose significant risks for healthcare institutions, such as fragmented data records, inefficient data sharing, and difficulties in monitoring patient health – resulting in misdiagnoses, redundant tests, and delays in treatment. On a wider scale, data silos can also prevent medical institutions from effectively analysing the broader health landscape which is essential for identifying trends and making informed policy decisions. The disruptions caused by data silos can be both costly and labour-intensive, draining resources that could be better spent on healthcare. Healthcare institutions need to adopt a comprehensive solution to address this and cloud technology could be the answer. The technology can help organisations effectively deal with data silos while enabling a more connected and effective healthcare system.
Key challenges posed by data silos
For healthcare organisations, the inability to access data at the right time can have devastating consequences for patient health. Data silos can cause fragmented records, making it difficult for professionals to access complete patients’ medical histories. This can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment plans and patient safety risks. In addition, internal communication systems can be delayed by data silos, preventing critical data from reaching medical teams in real-time and leading to significant diagnostic challenges.
Data silos can also hinder the ability of healthcare organisations to monitor patient health effectively. Continuity of care is compromised when healthcare providers are unable to receive a holistic view of the patient’s medical history and journey. This fragmentation can lead to gaps in care. It can also result in missed opportunities for early intervention, which is crucial when managing chronic diseases and improving patient outcomes.
The damages caused by data silos are not only operational but also financial. Inefficiencies and redundancies associated with data silos can lead to increased operational costs due to faulty testing and delays in treatment. Healthcare institutions also require substantial IT support to manage multiple data systems. Data silos can interfere with operations, forcing IT teams to maintain and troubleshoot siloed systems rather than improving patient care.
Top benefits of cloud data integration
Cloud integration offers numerous benefits for healthcare companies that can help address the issues posed by data silos. Unlike traditional systems where data is scattered across different departments and locations, cloud solutions offer healthcare providers the option to store all their data in a single unified repository enabling easy access and management. Access to medical databases, diagnoses, imaging, and billing is possible at any time and from anywhere, streamlining workflows and expanding the options for new work models and collaboration. Unified data storage capabilities also enable uninterrupted data sharing allowing medical staff to benefit from improved efficiency and enhanced quality of care for patients.
Cloud integration also supports advanced data analytics which is critical for modern healthcare. In the healthcare industry, timely intervention is of paramount importance. Medical teams need to be able to analyse, predict, and address issues at the right time to prevent the spread of fatal symptoms and diseases. By aggregating data from various sources into a single platform, healthcare organisations can leverage big data analytics to identify trends, predict outbreaks, and make evidence-based decisions.
Cloud solutions also offer scalability and flexibility, allowing healthcare organisations to rapidly scale their data storage capabilities up or down without significant capital investments. By deploying cloud solutions, healthcare institutions can effectively manage large volumes of data produced by medical devices and facilitate seamless data accessibility and management.
Best practices for successful cloud integration
Integrating cloud technology into healthcare systems is a transformative process that requires careful planning and execution. Healthcare businesses must adopt several best-practices in a multi-layered strategy that addresses technical, organisational, and regulatory challenges to achieve seamless integration.
A key aspect of cloud integration is staff training. According to Statista, lack of staff knowledge of data ranks among the top five barriers to effective data utilisation. Therefore, investing in comprehensive training programs that cover the technical aspects of cloud systems as well as best practices for effective data security and management is essential. By leveraging appropriate courses to upskill healthcare staff, organisations can help mitigate data risk and benefit from a more educated workforce.
Healthcare organisations can also use cloud solutions to help comply with evolving data regulations and guidelines. Businesses need to clearly define data ownership, establish data quality standards, and ensure compliance with data regulatory bodies. By implementing robust data governance policies, healthcare organisations can ensure that utilised data is accurate, reliable, and used responsibly across all levels of the organisation.
Adopting and integrating cloud technology is now a necessity for healthcare institutions. Businesses need to adopt a holistic approach to cloud integration ensuring that cloud solutions are intertwined with processes and systems across the organisation. By embracing cloud data solutions, healthcare organisations can minimise data silos, enhance patient care, and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly data-driven industry.
By Dominik Birgelen, CEO of oneclick Group AG