As we enter 2022, the pandemic continues to exact a terrible toll in both human and economic terms. But one side effect of this crisis helped healthcare move forward dramatically: We experienced a decades worth of technology adaptation and adoption in the space of mere months.
Tools and technologies that had been lingering (or languishing) on the fringes of the industry moved from the periphery to the core of healthcare IT practically overnight. High-speed research and epidemiology infrastructure, remote work and telemedicine systems, models for rapid vaccine development and deployment all suddenly became pressing public-health necessities. And all were enabled by harnessing the cloud to support integrated operations, data science, and massive on-demand computational needs.
If theres any silver lining to this historically bad event, its courtesy of the cloud. The past two years really opened our eyes to what is possible in healthcare when you invest in innovation and unleash it with agile technologies. I forecast more cloud-powered healthcare progress on the horizon in three key areas:
Vaccine R&D
The game has changed when it comes to vaccines. Before the pandemic, mRNA vaccines had been in development for roughly three decades but were consistently stymied by hesitancy and preference for the status quo. Covid response forced that technology over the finish line, and its success is going to impact more than coronavirus propagation. It is already encouraging emboldened approaches to other huge threats to human health.
Vaccine development and deployment is going to go from a years-long activity to a months-long activity with mRNA technology. And were going to need new regulatory frameworks to handle that speed. In the U.S., the only reason we were able to get Covid vaccine shots in our arms so quickly was because the FDA issued emergency authorizations both research-and-development timeframes and the standard process for clinical trials are typically much longer and more arduous. But sizable scientific groundwork had already been laid for messenger RNA technology, which supported and enabled accelerated action. More importantly, that action proved the speed and efficacy with which we can safely deploy new vaccines.
Assuming we can fashion a regulatory framework update that addresses this change in capability, I think were going to start to see more rapid development of vaccines against known pathogens trials are already in the works against certain cancers, against malaria, and against HIV. We will also be able to more quickly respond to future pandemics.
Covid-19 has already killed more Americans than the infamous Spanish Flu of 1918. It wont be the last pandemic. This is going to happen again, but were starting to grasp the power of our new tools for facing future threats. To wield them, we require a significant upgrade in the agility of our development and IT models because we are going to need the ability to manage more clinical trials much more quickly than we did in the past. The cloud is proving crucial in that process. Its time to flex and adjust. And Im excited about how cloud technology can help speed both regulatory innovation and clinical trial innovation in support of this mission.
Telehealth unleashed
As the pandemic unfolded, telehealth usage skyrocketed, fueled by physical distancing needs and responsive regulatory/reimbursement modifications. According to McKinsey, In April 2020, overall telehealth utilization for office visits and outpatient care was 78 times higher than in February 2020. Once again, existing but underutilized technology was quickly scaled with the aid of cloud power to meet unprecedented demand. Though usage stabilized by summer, telehealth claim volumes consistently maintained nearly 40-times their pre-pandemic numbers. The convenience factor has staying power. The ability to not have to go to your doctor to go to your doctor is not going to go away.
Further enhancing and extending telehealth and telemedicine applications is one of many cloud-based IT opportunities stirring the health sector to explore new directions. For example, virtual care is great because it enables timely access to health care professionals from afar, but it doesnt let them touch you. They cant look in your ears, swab your nose, or take your blood pressure. So secondary and tertiary services will start to advance in parallel as telemedicine matures.
Home-based health monitoring devices will quickly find new and more medically integrated applications, for example. And a redefined role for tech-savvy home health workers may also emerge, with nurses and aides becoming the eyes and ears of the doctor at the other end of the telemedicine session. Picture a distributed set of health care professionals who meet patients at home while they jointly communicate with the physician back in the office, or visiting nurses utilizing a whole set of connected equipment for monitoring patients at home and feeding results back to their doctor remotely.
Such services would be convenient for everyone, but theyd really shine in populations that do not have any easy access to care. Consider the plight of rural Americans who have to drive for hours to get to their nearest medical facility. Advancing technology can help. In addition to near-limitless cloud capacity, 5G is upgrading the prime limiting factor in addressing rural populations with telehealth bandwidth. Coupled with Starlink, Boeing, and Kuiper among others racing to establish satellite broadband, ubiquitous connectivity for virtual care is imminent. This is great news for the American farmer, but also for the indigenous Brazilian facing a 14-day walk to the nearest medical facility. Truly global accessibility to virtualized healthcare with that combination of technologies is about to begin, and well start to see real applications as soon as next year.
Making data make a difference
Another meaningful inroad we can expect in the coming year is the blending of historically disparate healthcare-related datasets for much more insightful decision making. The dream is precision medicine and were getting closer to realizing it. Typically, we have clinical data in a repository, we may have genomic data in a repository, and we might also have behavioral health data in a repository. But the ties between them all often remain elusive. Historically, those data sets are held separately. Melding them together creates a more holistic viewpoint, and cloud-based healthcare IT enables that amalgamation. Assuming good care coordination, the treatment team gets a much better ability to address all of the things that are happening with the patient instead of distinct elements.
Consider breast cancer treatment, where certain genetic sequences are starting to inform care. As the medical community explores cloud-based molecular modeling, combined with genetic insight and clinical insight into a particular patients condition, they can forego the sledgehammer approach and start to build a customized treatment program for a particular person based on all those combinations of factors. In the past, housing the enormous datasets required for such capabilities was very expensive. And the amount of computing power necessary to actually do that work was also very expensive. But thats no longer the case. Cloud power is eminently affordable, which mitigates the cost barrier and makes it all feasible. Working on unthinkably large datasets and integrating them with massive amounts of computing power, unleashing millions of trained machine-learning models to inform clinical decision making in real time that factor in all of these elements that make up a person this will enable significantly better clinical outcomes. Were going to be able to attack disease progression as its happening in an individual patient, as well as how it happens statistically across a diverse population.
Technologists in the healthcare sector tend to spend their days focusing on the Hows to keep the health system up and running and moving forward. As we anticipate a new year, its good to reflect on some of the amazing Whats that have already been accomplished, and prepare for those coming into view. Most importantly, we should never lose sight of the Whys that give our work purpose. Now and into the future, amazing advancements in human health are made possible with cloud power directed by amazing information technology professionals.
Photo: shylendrahoode, Getty Images
See more here:
Forecasting cloud-powered progress in 2022 - MedCity News
- How Do You Define Cloud Computing? - Data Center Knowledge [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- RCom arm in tie-up for cloud computing - Moneycontrol.com [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Roundup Of Cloud Computing Forecasts, 2017 - Forbes [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Continues to Influence HPC - insideHPC [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- 5 Cloud Computing Stocks to Buy - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Adobe bets big on cloud computing for marketing, creative professionals - Livemint [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Red Hat's New Products Centered Around Cloud Computing, Containers - Virtualization Review [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Verizon sells cloud services to IBM in 'unique cooperation between ... - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Hospital CIOs see benefits of healthcare cloud computing - TechTarget [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- How Cloud Computing Is Turning the Tide on Heart Attacks - Fortune [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- What is Cloud Computing Technology?: Cloud Definition ... [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Daily Report: Cloud Computing Asserts Itself - New York Times [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- Verizon sells cloud services to IBM in 'unique cooperation between two tech leaders' - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- CIOs embrace the value of cloud computing in healthcare - TechTarget [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- Heptio's Joe Beda: Before embracing cloud computing, make sure your culture is ready - GeekWire [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- CLOUD COMPUTING Cisco Expands Cloud IoT Services with $610M Viptela Acquisition - CIO Today [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2017]
- A prepaid wallet that helps start-ups access cloud-computing services - The Hindu [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2017]
- Google: No to Price War Over Cloud Computing - Investopedia [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2017]
- 3 things to know about the cloud v. data center decision - ZDNet [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2017]
- OpenStack Foundation cites 'capabilities, compliance and cost' as Summit kicks off - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Profit From Cloud Computing Boom With This ETF - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Autonomous Driving Market Focuses on Artificial Intelligence and ... - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- The cloud computing tidal wave - BetaNews [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Aruba predicts a hybrid future for edge and cloud computing - The Internet of Business (blog) [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- China Says Draft Rules on Cloud Computing Have Been Misunderstood - Wall Street Journal (subscription) [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2017]
- Oracle launches cloud computing service for India | Business Line - Hindu Business Line [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Microsoft is on the edge: Windows, Office? Naah. Let's talk about cloud, AI - The Register [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- IBM touts its cloud platform as quickest for AI with benchmark tests - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Enterprise-owned data centres still 'essential' despite cloud growth, research notes - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- You really should know what the Andrew File System is - Network World [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Microsoft launches Android app to manage its Azure cloud computing platform - Android Police [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- 3 Cloud Computing Stocks To Buy Right Now - May 10, 2017 ... - Zacks.com [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2017]
- Virtustream Adds Enterprise Cloud to Global Dell EMC Partner Program - Cloud Computing Intelligence (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2017]
- Trump signs cybersecurity executive order, mandating a move to cloud computing - GeekWire [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Cloud Computing, Term of Art Complete Preakness Works - BloodHorse.com (press release) (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- IBM Announces The Defense Calculator And A Cloud Computing Service - Forbes [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Achieving compliance in the cloud - CSO Online [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Boston schools CIO Mark Racine takes hybrid approach to cloud computing - EdScoop News (press release) (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Benefit-risk 'tipping point' for cloud computing now passed, says ... - Out-Law.com [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Cloud Computing puts in work for Preakness before deluge - Daily Racing Form [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- How telecom is shifting its strategy to support cloud computing - SiliconANGLE (blog) [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Cloud computing - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- How Alphabet Views the Cloud Computing Price Wars - Market Realist [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Keying Longshot Cloud Computing in the Preakness - America's Best Racing [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Microsoft Extends Cloud-Computing Arms Race to Africa - Fox Business [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Firms Face Decelerating Cloud Spending: Analyst - Investopedia [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Is edge computing set to blow away the cloud? - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Microsoft Extends Cloud-Computing Arms Race to Africa - Wall Street Journal (subscription) [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Rested and ready: 13-1 shot Cloud Computing wins Preakness - Fairfield Daily Republic [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Watch Cloud Computing's thrilling come-from-behind finish at the Preakness Stakes - For The Win [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing wins the 142nd Preakness Stakes in front of a record crowd [Photos] - Baltimore Business Journal [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- 13-1 shot Cloud Computing edges Classic Empire, springs upset in Preakness - News3LV [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Wins Preakness Stakes, and Techies Are Stoked - Fortune [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing wins Preakness Stakes, dashing Always ... [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Cloud computing, Galeria Inno and change at Deka - Delano.lu [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Roundup Of Cloud Computing Forecasts, 2017 - Enterprise Irregulars (blog) [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Does Not Need Help From Washington - Cramer's ... - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- CTOvision Assessment on The Megatrend of Cloud Computing - CTOvision (blog) [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing's Trainer Wins One for His Mentor at Preakness - New York Times [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Make sense of edge computing vs. cloud computing | InfoWorld - InfoWorld [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing Takes the Preakness - RFD-TV [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Cloud Computing takes Preakness - CNN.com [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Make Sense of Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing - Linux.com (blog) [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- How will cloud computing and analytics affect Citrix shops? - TechTarget [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Red Hat to acquire cloud computing firm - Triangle Business Journal [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Cloud computing streamlines oil field monitoring - Williston Daily Herald [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Fans should appreciate Cloud Computing's Preakness win - ESPN [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Cray Takes the Plunge into Cloud Computing - TOP500 News [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Baidu to leverage cloud computing, artificial intelligence, in effort to ramp up behavioural analysis - South China Morning Post [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Cloud computing will change the nature of hospital IT shops - Healthcare IT News [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Microsoft's weapon in high-stakes cloud-computing battle with Amazon? Freebies - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Amazon Shares Hit $1000, Showing Dominance of E-Commerce, Cloud - The VAR Guy [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Oracle set to expand cloud reach with Tencent alliance - South China Morning Post [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Cloud Computing to Skip Belmont as Field Comes into Focus - America's Best Racing [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Movers: Amazon's Stock Price Hits $1000 - New York Times [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Mary Meeker: Healthcare technology is booming thanks to cloud computing and wearables - SiliconANGLE (blog) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Will Amazon's Web Services Business Get Hurt by Cloud Computing Commodification? - HuffPost [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Box CEO Aaron Levie: Artificial intelligence to revolutionize cloud computing - MarketWatch [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Cloud computing takes off as top new discipline on campus - Education Dive [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- CIOs and factors overlooked when changing your cloud - Cloud Tech [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]