The top six features of cloud software
Still unsure about making the switch to the cloud? Here are the top six features of cloud clinical software, and how they can benefit your practice.
Healthcare delivery is shifting towards a more flexible model, and this shift has largely been facilitated by the introduction of cloud clinical software. Cloud software offers so many advantages over on-premise software – from greater mobility and automatic updates, to increased security. If you’re still wondering if switching to the cloud is worthwhile, here are the top six features of cloud software and how they can help future-proof your practice.
Flexible, mobile access
Cloud software gives you the ability to run a truly flexible, mobile healthcare service. That’s because you can use cloud software from any location, as long as you have access to an internet-enabled device such as a tablet or even your smartphone. This makes it easier to treat patients outside your clinic, whether that’s in the patient’s home, or at a care facility or hospital. It also allows your practice team to work more flexibly, as they can access the software outside of traditional clinic hours, or from different locations.
Server-free infrastructure
If your practice uses on-premise software, then you’ll know that it involves maintaining a physical, on-site server to store your data. With cloud software, your information is hosted remotely by the software provider in a state-of-the-art secure environment. That means you don’t need to worry about backing up your data, keeping it secure, or losing access in the event of an emergency such as a fire or flood. It’s all taken care of for you, which can reduce your IT support costs and eliminate disruption to your practice.
Automatic updates
Manual software updates and upgrades can be a real headache to organise, particularly if you don’t have IT staff on hand. With cloud software, all updates and upgrades are automatic and managed for you by the software provider. This gives you immediate access to improvements, new features, and security updates. Having to stop work during a software upgrade is now a thing of the past, as is expensive third-party IT support. Automatic updates also ensure you stay compliant with any new government regulations or industry requirements, as the required changes to the software are incorporated by the software provider at the appropriate time.
Simplified workflows
Cloud software providers, like MedicalDirector, are dedicated to improving the design of their software so it’s intuitive, streamlined and easy to use. MedicalDirector Helix, for example, has simplified, connected clinical and practice management workflows – resulting in faster load times and fewer clicks. An example is built-in Telehealth functionality, and the ability to have patient history, notes, pathology and prescriptions sitting alongside it on the one screen. This creates greater efficiency for your practice, allowing your team to spend less time using software and more time with patients.
Industry-leading security
Cloud software is the best way to keep patient information secure as data is encrypted, secured with strict role-based access and easily recoverable. Helix, for example, sits on the industry-leading Microsoft Azure platform, which is supported by billion-dollar security infrastructure. Data is backed-up across two Australian data centres and meets stringent Australian privacy standards. This gives you peace of mind that your patient data will be protected, even during data migration and software upgrades.
Better integration with apps
Unlike on-premise software, cloud software can be easily integrated with a growing range of cloud-based health and business apps. These apps can provide you with additional functionality such as online booking, SMS reminders, more efficient billing and payment processes, and knowledge databases. As long as the apps are compliant with your software, they’re a great way for your practice to be more efficient and create a better patient experience.
Cloud software really does offer practices greater flexibility, efficiency and security compared to an on-premise solution. If your practice is currently using on-premise software but is thinking about switching to cloud, contact our team today.
