The Health Information System (HIS) is crucial for managing the vast amount of data within hospitals. To efficiently store and handle this information, hospitals need robust IT server infrastructure. Choosing the right IT infrastructure is essential for making a worthwhile investment and ensuring effective usage.
Today, MEDcury will explore the differences between two types of HIS systems. How do they compare? Let’s find out!
What is HIS On-Premise ?
HIS On-Premise, also known as HIS On-Prem, refers to a Health Information System (HIS) that is hosted on IT servers physically located on the hospital's premises.
This means that the hospital is responsible for the maintenance and management of both the software and hardware components of the system. The hospital must handle everything from system updates and security patches to hardware upgrades and repairs.
What is HIS On-Cloud ?
HIS On Cloud is a Health Information System (HIS) that operates on infrastructure managed by a Cloud Service Provider. In this setup, the hospital can select the resources it needs, such as CPU, RAM, HDD, Network, and Security, and access the HIS over the internet.
The Cloud Service Provider is responsible for maintaining and managing the software and hardware, including system updates, security, and infrastructure management.
8 Key Differences Between HIS On-Premise and HIS On-Cloud
1. Cost
HIS On-Premise: Investing in HIS On-Premise requires a substantial capital outlay to purchase and install both software and hardware. This includes evaluating specifications to ensure long-term usability. Additionally, there are hidden costs such as managing and maintaining the system, personnel expenses for system maintenance, and operational costs like energy and physical space.
HIS On-Cloud: Investing in HIS On-Cloud follows a pay-as-you-go model, where costs are based on resource usage and billed hourly on a monthly basis. The responsibility for maintaining and updating hardware and software falls to the cloud service provider, which means the hospital does not need to manage these aspects themselves.
2. Personnel Management
HIS On-Premise: Hospitals opting for HIS On-Premise need to employ specialized IT personnel, such as Data Administrators, Data Infrastructure Experts, and Data Security Specialists. These professionals are responsible for the continuous maintenance and management of the system.
HIS On-Cloud: With HIS On-Cloud, hospitals do not need a large IT team. Instead, they only require staff with a good understanding of cloud architecture to manage the cloud-based system.
3. System Accessibility
HIS On-Premise: Access to HIS On-Premise is limited to the configurations and permissions set up within the hospital's internal network.
HIS On-Cloud: HIS On-Cloud can be accessed from anywhere at any time, providing greater flexibility and convenience for users.
4. Technology and Tools Available
HIS On-Premise: The tools and technologies available are limited to the versions and licenses purchased initially. Updates or upgrades may require additional investment and time.
HIS On-Cloud: Provides the flexibility to continuously adopt and integrate the latest technologies and tools. This allows for easier and more frequent updates to stay current with technological advancements.
5. Security Management
HIS On-Premise: Security relies on the system design and implementation by the hospital's IT personnel. Ensuring data protection and system integrity is entirely the hospital's responsibility.
HIS On-Cloud: Includes built-in monitoring functions that automatically detect and alert any irregularities. Cloud service providers often have dedicated security teams to handle potential threats and breaches.
6. System Maintenance
HIS On-Premise: Requires a Maintenance Service Agreement (MA) for hardware upkeep. This contract typically lasts 3-5 years and does not cover the initial system installation costs. After the contract period, the hospital must decide whether to renew the agreement.
HIS On-Cloud: Maintenance costs are included in the service fee. The cloud provider manages both hardware and software maintenance, ensuring the system remains functional without additional charges to the hospital.
7. Agility and Flexibility
HIS On-Premise: Changes to resources or system upgrades are challenging and time-consuming. Hospitals may need to purchase additional hardware, resulting in higher costs and less flexibility.
HIS On-Cloud: Offers the ability to easily scale resources up or down based on changing business needs. This flexibility helps hospitals adjust quickly without significant additional investments.
8. Risk Management
HIS On-Premise: The system is physically located on-site, making the hospital responsible for risks associated with emergencies such as fires, floods, natural disasters, or pandemics. These incidents can disrupt access to the system and potentially damage data.
HIS On-Cloud: Depends on internet connectivity, so risks include internet outages or connectivity issues that might prevent access to the cloud server. However, cloud providers typically offer robust disaster recovery and backup solutions to mitigate these risks.
These are the differences between the two HIS models. Which one a hospital should choose depends on the organization’s needs and suitability for its operations.
Additionally, hospitals might consider using a hybrid HIS model, which combines both On-Premise and On-Cloud systems. This approach provides flexibility and maximizes efficiency by leveraging the benefits of both types of systems.
MEDcury: Developer of the MEDHIS System
MEDcury develops the MEDHIS system, a hospital information system that can be installed both On-Cloud and On-Premise. This design supports flexibility and online operations in the digital age, as well as connectivity with data from different branches and integration with other systems or databases, whether from public or private sectors.
Interested in implementing MEDHIS in your organization?
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