Despite the many benefits of electronic medical records for hospitals, owners must be concerned about data security. It would help to examine the advantages and disadvantages of both server and cloud-based solutions before deciding on one. In this article, you'll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of using a cloud-based EHR system.
Patients and physicians employ e-health applications and gadgets that are creative, convenient, and safe. EHR systems are the only technologies modern clinics should employ to deliver top-notch medical care. In this post, we'll go over the basics of electronic health records (EHR) and why cloud-based EHR systems are both promising and secure.
What Is An Electronic Health Record And What Does It Contain?
Medical IT solutions that store a patient's medical data, such as illness and treatment histories, test results, descriptions of specific and chronic conditions, vaccines, ultrasound findings, and x-ray pictures, are electronic health record (EHR) systems.
The terms “electronic health record” and “electronic medical record” are frequently interchanged. However, they are not interchangeable. What makes an electronic medical record (EMR) different from an electronic health record (EHR)?
An EMR is a patient's digital record at each hospital or doctor's office where they got medical care. In contrast, an EHR collects a patient's medical data from numerous sources and organizations.
Market Overview And Predictions For Electronic Health Records
Electronic health records are commonplace in the United States and the European Union.
According to data, 96 percent of hospitals in Europe have implemented this solution, comparable to the number of hospitals in the United States. Furthermore, by 2025, this market is expected to grow to $37.13 billion, up from $24.82 billion in 2018.
The electronic health industry is predicted to be dominated by North America. EHR software will be widely available in the European Union, with strong adoption rates in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
What Is The Difference Between A Cloud-Based EHR And A Traditional EHR?
Cloud-based Software and server-based/n-premise Software are two types of electronic health record systems used to handle patient data.
A cloud-based EHR is a health IT solution that stores, exchanges, and protects patients' medical information utilizing cloud technology.
Cloud data storage is one of the most dependable methods to handle sensitive data, lessen the burden on on-premise servers, and lower the expenses of maintaining hospital IT systems. There are certain advantages and downsides to cloud-based electronic health records, but it can avoid most drawbacks if you are aware of the concerns before converting to EHR software.
Benefits of A Cloud-Based EHR
Let's look at the advantages of adopting electronic health records enabled by cloud solutions.
Keep all of your medical information in one location. One of the key EHR benefits is storing and accessing all of a patient's medical data using a unified system. Furthermore, 63% of practitioners said EHR systems helped greatly enhance the quality of care and medical services they provided.
Cost. Like any other cloud solution, Cloud-based EHR clinical software helps hospitals cut development, installation, and maintenance expenses, as well as the quantity of hardware and software required.
Privacy and security. By very nature, cloud-based systems are secure. They also give encryption and protection options when used as part of a healthcare system, thanks to digital signatures, unique keys, and two-factor authentication.
Scalability. Because it is typically delivered as software as a Service, it may quickly scale cloud-based EHR software. According to this notion, the hospital would only pay for the capability used, and sophisticated capabilities would only be employed when essential.
Cloud technology allows institutions to communicate and exchange information immediately since all medical data from multiple hospitals and laboratories is kept in one location.
The Drawbacks Of Using A Cloud-Based EHR
The downsides of adopting a cloud-based EHR are the same as those of using any cloud solution.
There are fewer options for customization. Because cloud-based EHRs are software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, so cannot easily change them. If further customization is required, the user can switch to a more complex set of services.
Dependence on cloud service providers. When a company selects to store data in the cloud, the system's total efficiency is directly proportional to the cloud's efficiency. Backups, data protection, and a quick system restart after a failure are also the duty of the cloud provider.
The provider also has complete control over and access all medical data, which is extremely sensitive. EHR data is very valuable on the black market, and a medical data breach has significant reputational implications. As a result, you must pick cloud, and EHR suppliers with care, just as you must determine which person will have access to medical information.
Security And Privacy Standards For Electronic Health Records
There are specific prerequisites for EHR development and deployment as part of a hospital information system to minimize security issues. Before integrating an Electronic Health Record system, a hospital must realize that it will hold all of the patient data and electronic Safeguarded Health Information (ePHI), which must be protected according to particular regulations and standards.
The Security Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) outlines the rules that clinics must adhere to while working with health information technology. The following are the most crucial:
Access that has been granted to you. Cloud-based software opens up many possibilities for secure data storage and access. According to HIPAA regulations, a healthcare provider must carefully select personnel who will access medical records and maintain their access keys confidential.
The patient's permission is required. A patient should be aware of how their medical information is maintained and safeguarded, as well as who has access to it. As a result, they should always be informed ahead of time and grant their agreement to data processing.
Archiving. Medical data should be kept for a set length of time (which varies by nation based on the regulations in place) and then carefully destroyed by authorized workers to avoid being sold on the black market.
What To Think About Before Making The Move To A Cloud-Based EHR
The difficulties listed above are the most important factors to consider before using a cloud-based EHR system. All data migrated to EHR must be meticulously prepared, staff must be assigned to this process, thoroughly investigate the cloud provider's reputation, and t must ensure regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
Although the advantages of electronic health records for hospitals and patients are evident, it should always prioritize data security. As a result, selecting a cloud and development provider to deliver this solution for your medical institution is critical. MediFusion has extensive expertise in developing eHealth solutions and is well-versed in the legal requirements for such systems and data security.
Features for advanced search. Electronic health records are adaptable, allowing doctors to locate the information they want rapidly. A cloud-based health information system is no different.
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