please respond to the post below with the 3 questions asked with proper citations and APA style references.
Comment on the completeness and correctness of the explanation of what a cloud-based system is and how it differs from an on-premise implementation, explaining your comments.
Comment on the applicability of the benefits and risks/drawbacks identified, explaining your comments.
Provide at least one additional benefit or risk/drawback of using cloud-based systems. (You should use different benefits/risks for each of your response postings.)
Cloud-based system refers to database programs, services or resources that are made available to users on demand via the Internet from a cloud computing provider’s server.
A cloud-based EHR system refers to an electronic health record system where data is stored on external servers and can be accessed via the web. The only requirement is a computer with an Internet connection. (North Carolina Institute of Medicine and The Duke Endowment, 2016).
The system implemented on the premise is also called client- server system. Data is stored in local servers in a designated data center. This system requires an internal server, a hardware and a software to be installed in the physician’s office.
The difference between cloud-based and client-server system stands first on the “Virtuality” of the system. The cloud-based system uses the web to store data using an external server whereas the client -base system uses a physical hardware in the location for data storage. Since the cloud-based system uses the web, it is easily accessible anywhere internet is present which is different for the client-based server.
Digital health record while being indispensable nowadays present many benefits and drawbacks.
From using the cloud -based system we can cite two benefits.
1-It increases interoperability- A cloud-based EHR system can be accessed from anywhere which means this EHR can communicate with other EHRs, laboratories, pharmacies and facilitate record sharing instantly with any authorized provider. Test results and patient encounters information are directly submitted to the EHR to update the digital patient record.
2-With cloud-based system, large companies provide more powerful IT service than in-house IT. It doesn’t require experts to install, configure, test, run, secure and update hardware and software, all of that is done internally in the cloud services rendered by the cloud provider which will ultimately decrease the cost associated with the EHR.
While the cloud-based system present so many benefits we cannot forget to mention major drawbacks as well.
Data security is the first concern that most providers are worried about. Adhering to HIPAA requirements is the clinician first responsibility. Protecting patient’s health information, controlling the accessibility to data usually influences a provider on choosing a client-server or cloud-based system. Cloud-based servers are more liable to malware, virus, and hacking attempts.
The providers have “lower level of data access and control compared to an on-site EHR system”. (Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, 2019). Because it is web-based, practice cannot work if there is no internet connection hence limiting the access to data. It is particularly important to rural areas where internet is not as accessible as urban areas.
References:
1-North Carolina Institute of Medicine and The Duke Endowment. (2016). The Impacts of Electronic Health Record Implementation on the Health Care Workforce.
Retrieved from: http://www.ncmedicaljournal.com/content/77/2/112.full
2-Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. (2019). Electronic Health record.
Retrieved from: https://www.healthit.gov/playbook/electronic-health-records/
