Integrated platform as a service (iPaaS) is the use of cloud-based services and applications to connect and share information across multiple systems, platforms or devices. Data is merged from various sources and is presented in a single place, and is then used to improve processes and workflow.
The use of iPaaS in healthcare brings about many benefits for companies and providers alike. Due to their lack of resources, small to medium-sized healthcare organizations are typically dependent on vendors' affordable solutions, whereas larger organizations with the capability to do the task in-house can still benefit from a third-party provider.
Here are eight reasons why any healthcare organization would benefit from an integrated platform.
1. Third-party vendors specialize in connectivity.
The advantage of iPaaS is that it's built on top of a standardized platform. This makes it easy to integrate with other healthcare applications. The pitfall is that connectivity can be a challenge when your expertise lies within your own specialties. Engaging a third-party vendor gives you access to their expertise in connecting different healthcare systems. They can provide guidance on best practices and current best methods for integration and have the infrastructure and tools to handle the technical complexity of the task.
2. Free up having to hire additional staff.
Instead of hiring a developer or project manager to tackle integration, a third-party provider can take care of the entire process. This frees up your staff to concentrate on your own core competencies. Many believe that this means they may not have as much control over the outcome. This is simply not true. With a third-party vendor, you can define the success metrics, and make changes as necessary. The key is to find a vendor who shares your vision and has a proven track record of success.
3. Reduce costs by removing the need for expensive hardware, software and data storage.
Organizations of all sizes have felt the effects of technology inflation and rising costs. Healthcare IT projects can quickly add up in cost, especially if you must purchase new equipment and software. Many are turning to the cloud to reduce the amount of infrastructure they need to manage in-house. By leveraging a third-party vendor, you can reduce your total cost of ownership and, in turn, reduce your operational costs. This allows organizations to better allocate their budgets to other areas of the business.
4. Improve hospital and clinic efficiency by feeding data directly into a centralized system.
Improve workflows and efficiency by ensuring information is available to all staff, no matter where they're located. Important data feeds into clinical decision-making and allows clinicians to see the entire patient care journey in one place. Through a centralized platform, healthcare organizations can also reduce or eliminate the duplication of tests and minimize wasted time spent manually processing orders. This valuable information can also be used for real-time analytics and continuous improvement of the patient experience.
5. Provide easier and quicker connections to third-party platforms.
Healthcare organizations often depend on multiple platforms to operate effectively. These include EMRs, claims and billing platforms, referral management, immunization records, orders and results, analytics tools and other external systems. When we add in the data required to make these systems work, it can be a huge burden for IT to manage and maintain – let alone the time spent integrating all of these disparate platforms in a way that meets compliance and security requirements and doesn't cause disruptions to the business. Using an IPaaS solution that provides a secure and reliable connection to all of these platforms allows organizations to simplify and reduce the complexity of their IT environment.
6. Enhance patient care and safety.
The safety and quality of patient care are paramount. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, healthcare organizations need to ensure that they are delivering the best possible care and outcomes. While there are many data sources within healthcare organizations, many of them are siloed and difficult to access and analyze. Data can be presented in a meaningful way to support clinical decision-making and can help optimize the care process when cloud-based integrated platforms are used to link data sources and applications.
7. Lower the risk of medical errors.
Manual data entry is one of the most common causes of medical errors, which may result in patient harm and increased liability for healthcare organizations. Automating data entry in healthcare applications can help reduce typographical mistakes and improve the quality of patient care. Additionally, using an IPaaS solution can help ensure that only authorized users have access to patient information. This minimizes the chance sensitive data can be lost or compromised, which can lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
8. Reduce the burden on staff.
Staffing shortages and increased patient volumes have raised the workload of healthcare workers. When staff members have to manually enter data into different systems and programs, they have less time to provide patient care. By automating data entry into integrated healthcare platforms, healthcare organizations can free staff members to focus on value-added activities. With less stress and a lowered chance of burnout, both employees and patients will benefit.
Why work with Tangible Solutions?
Tangible offers extensive experience and expertise in a variety of subject matters within the healthcare industry. With access to the best talent, our team is ready to tackle any challenge and help you achieve your goals. Our clients include large hospitals, small clinics and physician practices of all sizes. Recently, Lake Medical Imaging in The Villages, Florida used Tangible's 'hub and spoke' integrated cloud model to create better order processing and result delivery to their referral practices. The system was able to increase their daily workflow volume and save money at the same time. Now that's a win-win!
Contact us today to see how we can help you too!
