CLOUD COMPUTING IN HEALTHCARE: TRANSFORMING PATIENT CARE AND OPERATIONS

Abstract

Cloud computing has emerged as a transformative force in the healthcare industry, revolutionizing how organizations deliver patient care, manage data, and optimize operations. This comprehensive article examines the evolution from traditional infrastructure to cloud-based solutions, exploring fundamental service models, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). The article investigates various deployment models - public, private, and hybrid clouds - and their specific applications in healthcare settings. It further analyzes the transformative impact on patient care, operational efficiency, and data management while addressing critical integration challenges and implementation solutions. By examining current research and industry practices, this article demonstrates how cloud computing reshapes healthcare delivery systems, improves patient outcomes, and drives operational excellence while maintaining security and compliance standards.