Assessing the Risks and Security Implications of Integrating Cloud Computing in Healthcare

Abstract

Cloud computing in healthcare has streamlined data management, ensuring secure storage and accessibility of patient records. It has facilitated seamless collaboration among healthcare professionals, enabling timely consultations and enhancing patient care. Additionally, cloud-based analytics have empowered medical research, leading to faster insights, innovative treatments, and improved overall healthcare outcomes. The chapter focuses on how cloud computing technology has revolutionized the healthcare sector. The healthcare industry, which has historically been defined by paper-based systems and data fragmentation, is facing rising demand brought on by population expansion and aging demographics. As a response to these issues, cloud computing is predicted to be able to handle an increase in healthcare demand of 11–17% by 2025. Cloud computing enables patient empowerment, interoperability amongst healthcare organizations, and significant cost savings by leveraging IT-enabled fitness gadgets, electronic health data, and collaborative platforms. The chapter explains the financial benefits and motivations for adopting cloud-based solutions in an era where healthcare costs have reached unaffordable levels and emphasizes the necessity of effective deployment and validation procedures.