Imagine this: You’re feeling under the weather. Instead of dragging yourself out of bed and making a trek to the doctor’s office, you log onto your healthcare provider’s portal from the comfort of your home. A friendly, AI-powered chatbot asks about your symptoms and schedules a video call with your doctor. Your doctor recommends a treatment plan based on data-driven insights and sends a prescription directly to your local pharmacy. This is healthcare powered by managed-IT.
Despite being a lynchpin of society, the healthcare industry can lag behind. However, as our world grows more digital by the day, healthcare providers are feeling the pressure to keep up with the expectations of their patients.
But how can healthcare institutions, often mired in traditional ways, make this leap into the digital age? Enter managed IT service providers, alongside industry solutions like Microsoft Cloud.
Embracing the Cloud
The shift towards cloud computing is becoming increasingly prevalent in the healthcare industry. By migrating to the cloud, healthcare providers can enjoy enhanced flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Managed IT services providers can harness Microsoft Cloud products to facilitate this transition, for instance:
Migration: Azure Migrate ensures a seamless transition of data and applications to the cloud, minimizing disruption to healthcare services.
Security: Microsoft Azure Security Center provides robust security for cloud-based systems and data, protecting against cyber threats.
Management: Azure Cost Management optimizes the performance and cost-effectiveness of cloud-based systems and applications.
Telehealth Services
Telehealth services have surged in popularity, particularly in light of the recent global health crises. With Microsoft Cloud products, managed IT services providers can assist healthcare providers in implementing and improving these services:
Integration: Microsoft Azure Logic Apps can seamlessly integrate telehealth platforms into existing systems, enhancing patient care and experience.
Security: Azure Information Protection and Azure Advanced Threat Protection safeguard the security of telehealth platforms, protecting against data breaches and other cyber threats.
Compliance: Microsoft Cloud’s comprehensive compliance offerings assist in adhering to stringent healthcare industry regulations.
Regulatory Compliance
In the highly regulated healthcare industry, compliance is of utmost importance. Managed IT services providers can leverage Microsoft Cloud products to ensure regulatory compliance:
Compliance Audits: Microsoft Compliance Manager facilitates regular compliance audits, ensuring healthcare institutions adhere to industry regulations.
Security: Microsoft Azure Security Center meets regulatory security requirements, safeguarding critical systems and patient data.
Data Privacy: Microsoft Azure Privacy Center helps in complying with data privacy regulations, mitigating potential fines and reputational damage.
AI and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are already transforming healthcare services. Here are a few ways these technologies can be leveraged:
Data Analysis: Azure Machine Learning can analyze vast amounts of healthcare data, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making and improved patient care.
Virtual Assistance: Microsoft Azure Bot Service allows the creation and deployment of AI-driven virtual assistants for 24/7 patient support.
Predictive Analytics: Azure Machine Learning can predict patient health trends, allowing for preventative care and early intervention.
Secure Data Sharing
Healthcare providers can take advantage of secure data sharing technologies, such as blockchain, to enhance patient care. With Microsoft Cloud and a managed IT services provider, healthcare institutions can implement these effectively:
Security: Azure Blockchain Service enables the implementation of blockchain-based security solutions for the protection of sensitive patient data.
Data Transparency: Azure Blockchain Workbench facilitates secure and transparent data sharing between healthcare providers, improving collaboration and patient care.
Regulatory Compliance: Managed IT services providers can ensure compliance with healthcare regulations using Microsoft Cloud’s robust compliance offerings.
How we support healthcare institutions
Managed IT services providers, alongside Microsoft Cloud’s robust tools and services, play a crucial role in helping healthcare institutions venture into the digital realm. Platte River Networks, with our direct relationship with Microsoft and full suite of Azure cloud platform, including over 200 products and cloud services, are designed to help you build, run, and manage applications. Let’s discuss further how we can support your healthcare institution in its digital transformation journey.
