An investigation of the influences determining the adoption of cloud based approaches within the health sector

Abstract

Despite the knowledge gained about the importance of cloud computing based on its benefits and concerns, research shows that little was known on the relevancy of such technology within the health sector. This research analyses the influences that allow, slow or moreover do not allow the introduction of cloud based solutions, based on the benefits and concerns of such technologies. Moreover, it takes into consideration the readiness of the end users – medical professions based on their knowledge, awareness and willingness. This was carried through a quantitative and qualitative approach. The major finding from the management perception were discussed and pointed out. The main benefits outlined were agility to perform daily operations, the ability to scale resources and the ease of collaboration both local and international. As for the concerns, the main outlined were security and privacy together with the cloud computing reliability. As for the end user – medical profession’s results showed that age and education play a significant role for the user’s knowledge, awareness and willingness to learn new IT Technology. As advancement progresses, issues may be minimised significantly as the technology enters maturity stage, less fear may be perceived when adopting such technology. This research has outlined the aspects that may slow the adoption of cloud computing such as the sensitivity of the data disclosed in the cloud and new concerns that may be regarded as issues in the local scene.