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The past several years have marked a “before” and “after” in the world of communications. On a global scale, organizations across the spectrum have undergone radical changes to their infrastructure, particularly in high-stakes industries such as healthcare.
The entire healthcare industry underwent a rapid digital transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to evolve as the world changes. Increased caseloads, massive shifts in patient expectations, and protocol changes have required the quick delivery of solutions amidst incredible challenges.
Telehealth, remote treatments, and virtual patient services have grown in popularity, enabling patients to receive care outside the traditional clinical environment. The increased digitization of medicine has resulted in a boom in the healthcare cloud computing market, which is expected to reach $89.4 billion by 2027.
Along with developing action plans to ensure seamless internal and external communication between staff and patients, healthcare decision-makers have expressed concerns regarding cybersecurity and IT resource optimization. As a result, clinical facilities worldwide are actively adopting private or hybrid cloud models of unified communications and collaboration (UCC) solutions.
The Key Benefits of Cloud-Based Healthcare Communications
Healthcare providers need to embrace the latest communications technology to remain competitive and keep up with patients’ digital-first expectations – and many are already taking advantage of cloud healthcare benefits.
The surge in cloud-based healthcare technology has revolutionized how clinical professionals collaborate, communicate, and deliver care in an interconnected world. Private or hybrid cloud UCC platforms are agile, secure, cost-efficient, and accessible from anywhere.
While moving to a digital environment may be a significant adjustment, there are many hosted cloud advantages for healthcare, including:
Enhanced Data Security and Compliance
Hospitals and other medical facilities are among the biggest targets of digital threats like hackers and ransomware due to the massive volumes of sensitive data they must store and transmit. Patient information is more secure in the cloud, protected by encryption and access controls. Cloud-based solutions are continuously updated to comply with the latest privacy and security standards, including HIPAA and GDPR.
Scalability and Flexibility
Healthcare systems with cloud-based UCC solutions could seamlessly transition to remote operations and manage increased volumes of patients during the pandemic. Scalable cloud services enable on-demand resource allocation for peak periods of use and provide the flexibility to adapt to evolving business requirements.
More Cost-efficient, Effective Processes
Private and hybrid cloud communications solutions reduce infrastructure and maintenance costs using digital rather than physical storage. Integration with other medical applications centralizes data management and streamlines complicated processes. Time-consuming administrative tasks can be automated for improved operational efficiency.
Enhanced Accessibility and Collaboration
Information stored in a private or hybrid cloud is updated in real-time, meaning employees and administrators always have access to the latest news. Because these platforms work remotely on any secure device, collaboration between colleagues is seamless and accessible regardless of location.
Advanced Analytics and Insights
Cloud-based UCC solutions can use powerful predictive analytics tools for data-driven decision-making. Users can extract actionable insights from healthcare benefits data to develop personalized and proactive care plans.
Clinical practices have been transformed by the introduction of cloud-based healthcare communications, empowering providers to collaborate with their colleagues, access critical information, and connect with their patients for the highest standard of care.
Choosing the Right Cloud Communications Solution for Your Healthcare Organization
Medical professionals must make life-changing decisions every day, but choosing to modernize their UCC solutions shouldn’t be a challenge. All aspects of healthcare communications can be elevated to the cloud, such as:
- Contact centers
- Patient portals
- VoIP/digital phone systems
- Video calling and voice messaging
- Collaboration software Teamwork solutions
- Text alerts and reminders
When deciding on a cloud solution, decision-makers should consider their facility’s size, budget, and usage needs. Providers can leverage cloud healthcare benefits whether they elect for a private or hybrid model. Understanding the main differences between these two options is essential to make the best decision.
A private cloud may be in an on- or off-site server dedicated solely to a single healthcare organization, providing a more controlled and secure environment for medical information. Institutions can tailor their private cloud to meet their needs, with additional data privacy and security layers since they aren’t sharing hosted space.
A hybrid cloud model combines a private cloud with one or more public cloud services. In this environment, communication is handled by proprietary software connecting each service. Adopting a hybrid cloud strategy can be helpful to healthcare organizations requiring greater flexibility by moving workloads across cloud solutions on a per-need basis.
To future-proof their healthcare communications, healthcare institutions should invest in the model that best fits their needs, data security requirements, and budget. Whatever their choice, migrating to the cloud will be the foundation for critical operations and optimal patient care.
Take Your Healthcare Communications to the Cloud with Mitel
Mitel’s secure and reliable on-site and cloud-based UCC solutions are trusted by thousands of healthcare providers globally. From virtual contact centers to business communications systems and collaboration platforms, Mitel supports healthcare organizations of all sizes through the digital migration process.
With streamlined workflows, seamless file sharing, and API integrations, Mitel empowers clinical staff to spend less time on administrative tasks and more on critical care. AI-enabled automation, self-service tools, and virtual assistants increase patient engagement, trust, and satisfaction with their healthcare experience.
Along with next-generation cloud communications software, Mitel proudly offers cloud-supported hardware. The Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology (DECT) handsets manufactured with BioCote® antimicrobial materials are perfect for healthcare settings where sanitation is critical to user wellbeing.
Educating about adopting cloud-based healthcare communication is critical to providing high-quality patient and employee experiences. Seeking expert advice is the first and most necessary step in the process.
As a global leader in business communications with over two billion cloud connections worldwide, Mitel is committed to delivering the best cloud-based healthcare communications tools for your facility. Contact a Mitel healthcare expert to learn more about migrating your communications to a private or hybrid cloud and request a quote today.
