Integration of Cloud Computing in eHealth

Abstract

The integration of cloud computing into healthcare is transforming the delivery of medical services by improving data accessibility, scalability, and collaboration. However, for non-commercial and developing healthcare systems, selecting optimal cloud models that ensure security, affordability, and usability remains a critical design challenge. This study adopts a qualitative case study approach to evaluate the integration of cloud computing into an eHealth service initiative. Through architectural modeling and stakeholder-oriented analysis, the study proposes a multi-tier Software as a Service (SaaS) architecture deployed on a public cloud platform, aligned with key principles of cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and regulatory compliance. The proposed model facilitates real-time access to patient records, supports interoperability between healthcare providers, and enhances user experience for both patients and physicians. A detailed assessment identifies SaaS as the most appropriate service delivery model, supported by a multi-tier architecture and public cloud deployment strategy. Benefits include reduced infrastructure costs, improved disaster recovery, enhanced collaboration, and scalable expansion potential. Data security and regulatory compliance emerge as the primary risks, addressed through encryption, access control, and standards-based interoperability. Cloud computing, when carefully architected and contextually aligned with healthcare needs, offers a robust framework for eHealth transformation. The findings provide a scalable model for national-level deployment, offering strategic insights into designing cloud-based systems that balance performance, privacy, and stakeholder needs in resource-constrained environments.