Benefits & Features of VDI Technology in Healthcare
Recent global economic changes have had a significant impact on businesses worldwide, particularly with how quickly companies have had to adapt to a remote work environment. Healthcare providers in every specialty are becoming more reliant on mobile devices than ever before and having immediate access to patient charts, files, and other important applications is critical. In some cases, accessibility can mean the difference between a patient getting diagnosed or obtaining the correct treatment for their condition.
Here’s how VDI technology can help hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers stay connected virtually in a rapidly changing environment.
VDI Technology in Healthcare: A Quick 101
Unfamiliar with VDI technology? Here’s a quick rundown of the basics.
What Is VDI?
VDI stands for “virtual desktop infrastructure.” This technology is used to create a virtualized desktop using by separating the operating system from the hardware using a specialized virtual machine called a hypervisor. Then, users are then able to access operating systems like Windows remotely from any of their devices through a connection broker. Each virtual machine, or desktop, can be configured for the individual user. Essentially, this offers users the freedom to access their desktop and software suite from any location, at any time, versus being required to log onto a physical computer.
Who Should Use VDI?
Any organization that wants employees to be able to connect to a remote desktop on various devices from locations should use a virtual desktop infrastructure. In 2020, that now means most businesses and hospitals and healthcare providers are no exception. Healthcare facilities in particular who offer telehealth services are ideal candidates for VDI technology.
How Healthcare Providers Can Benefit from VDI Technology
Healthcare providers of all types and specialties can benefit substantially from implementing VDI technology within their practices. Hospitals and larger medical groups can also profit from VDI. Here’s how.
Security
Although increased mobility is necessary for today’s healthcare practitioners, it doesn’t come without the cost of increased vulnerability. With a traditional desktop infrastructure, important data is inexplicably tied to the hardware itself. If the computer is damaged or stolen, the data on it is usually lost. With a virtual desktop infrastructure, the data is stored in the cloud, allowing you to access your desktop and the information and files on it from any other device.
Since a VDI allows all virtual desktops on the central server to share the same programs, it’s easier than ever before for healthcare providers to back up their data, perform data recovery in the event of a breach, increase firewall protection, update malware and antivirus protection, and implement other additional security features.
Accessibility
Being able to access multiple remote desktops from any device in any location isn’t necessarily a luxury anymore for many of today’s businesses, including those in the healthcare industry. When having access to patient data right away can impact how a patient is treated, accessibility is an absolute requirement. For example, a hospital that utilizes VDI technology can be inputting critical information about a just-arrived trauma case that a surgeon or specialist can be reviewing from a mobile device en route to the facility.
Portability
Portability goes hand in hand with accessibility. Today’s healthcare providers are often traveling between facilities or working from home and are rarely stationary and practicing in a single place. Being able to take an entire desktop with all the important patient files you need to treat your patients with you is invaluable when you’re on the go.
Simple Provisioning
Provisioning desktops is easy with VDI technology in healthcare since each system does not have to be manually configured. Once you have one virtual desktop established, the next virtual desktop is created by mirroring the settings on the first, making the process near-instantaneous. This can save your healthcare facility significant time and money when onboarding new employees.
Cost Reduction
The cost of setting up a physical desktop for every employee within your healthcare organization tends to be quite high. A virtual desktop infrastructure can be accessed on any device, including existing devices, reducing the cost of provisioning substantially.
Compliance
For healthcare organizations, HIPAA compliance is critical. VDI technology allows you to offer employees access to the files they need, when they need them, from any device. However, it also ensures that only approved users are able to access information and that the Personal Health Information (PHI) of patients is protected at all times. If you don’t have end-to-end security that prevents sensitive patient data from being accessed by unauthorized parties, you could be subjected to a hefty fine for violating HIPAA laws.
Considering the Costs of VDI Technology in Healthcare
VDI technology can drastically reduce the cost of computer hardware for your healthcare facility, however, the upfront investment of having a virtual desktop infrastructure created and customized for your business may be a concern. It’s also important to note that cost reduction doesn’t always happen all at once after transitioning to a VDI; for many healthcare facilities, identifying cost savings opportunities with VDI is an ongoing process.
That said, over time, a VDI can help healthcare organizations become more sustainable and protect their bottom line in the long term.
Interested In Deploying VDI for Your Healthcare Organization? Contact Us Today
If you’re considering the benefits vs costs of VDI for your healthcare facility, don’t hesitate to speak with a trusted professional with a proven track record of successful healthcare VDI deployments. At Network Security Associates, we know that transitioning away from paper charts to EHR software and virtual desktop infrastructures can be a challenging part of your organization’s overall growth. We’re here to help you find customized IT network solutions that work for your team of healthcare professionals.
Want to learn more about how VDI solutions can benefit your healthcare organization? Call NSA immediately. (702) 547-9800 | Speak With Our Online Chat Team.