Cloud-Based Health Information Systems and Their Impact on Healthcare Efficiency

Abstract

Cloud-based health information systems (CBHIS) have emerged as transformative tools in modern healthcare, enabling streamlined data management, enhanced clinical decision-making, and improved patient outcomes. This study investigates the impact of CBHIS on healthcare efficiency, focusing on hospitals, primary care centers, and rural clinics. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative surveys of 500 healthcare professionals and qualitative interviews with 25 administrators and IT specialists. Findings indicate that CBHIS enhance operational efficiency by reducing administrative workload, facilitating secure data sharing, improving patient record accessibility, and enabling real-time analytics. However, challenges such as cybersecurity risks, interoperability issues, and resistance to adoption remain significant. Policy recommendations include standardized data protocols, training programs, and investment in secure cloud infrastructure to maximize efficiency gains.