Cloud and Technology Services as Enablers of Digitalization in the Healthcare Sector

The German healthcare system faces a number of challenges that affect the provision of high-quality healthcare. Demographic change in Germany is leading to a growing prevalence of age-related diseases and increasing the demand for medical care. Due to the disproportionate rise in costs, the financial pressure on the healthcare system is increasing. The increase in chronic diseases, the shortage of healthcare professionals and rising healthcare costs are resulting in limited access to healthcare and an overall increased burden on the healthcare system. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has put healthcare systems around the world to the test. Further increases in expenditure are to be expected in the coming years in order to ensure adequate healthcare for the population. The digital transformation offers opportunities to relieve the burden on the healthcare system and further improve the quality of care. Technological innovations play a central role in overcoming these challenges. Digital healthcare services such as electronic patient records, e-prescriptions and telemedicine are already established and are helping to make the healthcare system more efficient. The following article takes a closer look at the opportunities and risks of cloud services and artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector from the perspective of an IT service provider.