From skepticism to innovation

Datteln, Germany – The cloud debate is unbalanced as its benefits are often only mentioned in passing. What about the much-discussed IT security of “On-Premises”? Daniela Aufermann calls for openness to innovations and balanced reporting.

IT departments are skeptical about the public cloud, especially regarding the protection of patient data. But on closer inspection, there is more to it: Employees often feel that the cloud is taking something away from them – possibly even their job. Such concerns are often based on a general lack of knowledge about the topic. 

Because, the operation of cloud services makes sense. Scarce resources and a shortage of skilled workers meet a growing catalog of complex IT requirements. Therefore, the number of administrative systems and patient portals operated in the cloud is increasing. This trend will be followed by clinical systems, provided it is clearly defined which components and data must be stored locally, where the servers are located, and how the interfaces are designed.

IT becomes the bridge between medical staff and cloud providers

In the age of the cloud, IT staff act as mediators between providers and users of the cloud. In addition to technical knowledge, soft skills such as communication ability and the ability to explain complex technical matters in an understandable way are of great importance. 

Risks always exist; but those that affect the operation of applications in the public cloud can be contractually secured.

Daniela Aufermann

In hospitals, on-premise operation still dominates, which often limits collaboration with external service providers to managing system updates. Therefore, when switching to the cloud, new knowledge is required, for example about EVB-IT cloud framework contracts and the definition of SLAs. Experience with interfaces, routing, and network security is also relevant, as is the ability to establish a fast and secure external connection. 

We need services that are operated externally by professionals. 

Daniela Aufermann

From the provider’s side, it is important to clearly communicate one’s own processes and the necessary steps on the customer side in order to enable successful project implementation. This includes informing hospitals about the skills of the employees of the external service provider. 

The path to the cloud must be taken together with the IT staff and the providers. This ensures that applications and data in the cloud are well managed and that IT can contribute to adequately support hospitals in their structural, financial, and operational challenges.

Daniela Aufermann is Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at the Vestische Kinder- und Jugendklinik / Vestische Caritas-Kliniken GmbH in Datteln, Germany. In addition to her professional work, she serves as a lecturer for Digital Health and Health Technology at the APOLLON University of Applied Sciences in the health industry and is also voluntarily engaged in the association Purpose:Health e.V.

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