Moving to a cloud-based EHR? Repurpose your IT Team

But where does this this leave a practice’s IT staff? With the burden of maintaining data security and completing version upgrades lifted, where do their attentions turn? In this blog, we will explore how IT staff can best dedicate their energies after a move to the cloud. 

Why cybersecurity is important in healthcare

There are many reasons why practices are moving to the cloud, but the most pressing may be data security. Cybercriminals have their sights set squarely on healthcare organizations. According to IBM, healthcare had the highest average breach costs of any industry in 2021, for the eleventh year in a row. Ambulatory practices — with limited IT teams and infrastructure — are particularly vulnerable to hackers.

Another challenge for these practices is compliance with healthcare laws. A cloud solution can help ensure their EHR software remains compliant. With one all-inclusive price, it can also serve as a gateway to a wider range of health IT services such as a patient portal, direct messaging, and more.

Finally, with the advent of COVID-19, even greater numbers are moving to the cloud, as Advisory Board reports. For many practices, investing in the cloud helps them support remote workforces and expand telehealth services. Healthcare cloud adoption doubled between 2018 and 2020, according to HIMSS data cited in the report.

A more productive practice

The transition to a cloud-based EHR is an opportunity for a practice to refocus its IT team. With the burden of data security and version upgrades lifted, the team can focus on other core duties.

Generally, these may include:

• Internet bandwidth and fiber connection agreements
• Cable-related services
• Telephone-related services (i.e., Voice over Internet Protocol)
• Printer and copier leases
• Wireless services, provided phones
• Website expenses
• Virus protection services

Considered together, these functions are significant for a practice. If neglected, any could result in a slowdown. Website maintenance and telephone services, for example, are both critical for day-to-day operations.

Still another important function of the IT team can be to manage the relationship with the cloud vendor. Given the IT staff may be tasked with developing internal processes following a practice’s move to the cloud, they can also reach out to the vendor with questions or support needs related to the transition.

Setting off for the cloud

There are steps you can take for an easier move to the cloud and to set up your IT team for success afterward. Consider these points:

1. Review the availability of IT staff. Which of your IT team’s duties would it no longer manage after a move to the cloud, and which would carry on?
2. Identify their most important functions. Of these responsibilities identified, which are most important to practice operations?
3. Understand the level of work they accomplish. How much do staff IT team members accomplish in a typical day, week, or month?
4. Assess the need for retraining. What skills will they need to brush up on following a move to the cloud?
5. Keep tabs on performance. How can you measure activity levels among IT team members after the switch?

With a refocused IT team, a practice can expect smoother, more efficient performance. The key is to ensure your IT team is aligned.

Find out how you can get better security, support, and server maintenance with Greenway Secure Cloud.