Migration of Healthcare Relational database to
NoSQL Cloud Database
• Migrating a healthcare relational database to a NoSQL cloud database
can offer numerous advantages, but it also involves careful
consideration of various factors
Why Migrate from Relational to NoSQL Cloud Databases?
1. Scalability
o Grow Easily: NoSQL databases can handle more data by adding more servers
(horizontal scaling), which is often simpler and more efficient than upgrading
a single server.
o Manage Big Data: Healthcare data—like patient records, medical images, and
IoT device outputs—is massive and always growing. NoSQL handles such
large-scale data better.
2. Flexibility
o No Fixed Rules: NoSQL databases don’t need a strict structure (schema),
making it easy to store different types of data like text, images, or sensor
readings.
o Adapts Quickly: As healthcare needs change, NoSQL databases can easily
adjust to new requirements, unlike rigid relational databases.
3. Performance
o Fast for Special Tasks: NoSQL is designed to handle specific tasks, like
retrieving documents or analyzing data in real time, making it faster in those
scenarios.
4. Cost Efficiency
o Pay for What You Use: Cloud-based NoSQL databases let you pay only for
the resources you use, making them more budget-friendly for fluctuating
workloads and big datasets.
5. Handling Unstructured Data
o Supports All Data Types: NoSQL is great for unstructured or semi-structured
data like text notes, images, and diverse healthcare data formats.
NEED FOR DATA MIGRATION FROM SCHEMA TO
SCHEMALESS DATABASES
Linear scalability
Geographically distributed database systems
• Improved availability
• Operationally low latency
• Support structured/unstructured data
Data Migration Process
Migrating data to a new system involves 10 key steps:
1. Planning
o Decide what data needs to be moved and identify the original data sources.
2. Data Analysis and Discovery
o Check if the existing data has enough information (metadata) to fit into the
new system.
3. Choosing Tools
o Select the right tools for the migration based on system needs, data size, and
how much transformation is required.
4. Managing Master Data
o Organize and standardize important data (like key-value pairs) to ensure
consistency in workflows.
5. Tool Configuration
o Set up the migration tool to meet the specific requirements of the new system.
6. Cleaning Data
o Fix errors and remove inconsistencies in the data to improve its quality before
migration.
7. Dry Runs
o Test the entire migration process with all the data to check for issues and
measure the time it will take before going live.
8. Formal Testing
o Perform structured testing of the migration process using test plans and cases
to ensure it works as expected.
9. Production Execution
o Move the data to the new system in the live environment.
10. Post-Migration Support
o Provide support after migration to resolve any issues and ensure the system
runs smoothly.
Challenges in Migrating to NoSQL Databases
1. Data Complexity
o Schema Transformation: Moving from a fixed relational database structure
to a flexible NoSQL schema is challenging, especially with interconnected
data.
o Data Integrity: Keeping the data accurate and intact during migration is
critical.
2. Compliance and Security
o Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to laws like HIPAA or GDPR is essential
and can be complicated.
o Data Security: Strong encryption and access controls are needed to protect
sensitive information.
3. Performance Tuning
o Query Optimization: Adapting to new strategies for fast querying in NoSQL
systems.
o Trade-offs: Balancing consistency, availability, and system resilience (as per
the CAP theorem) is tricky.
4. Integration
o Legacy Systems: Connecting NoSQL with old systems requires effort.
5. Consistency and Transactions
o ACID vs. Eventual Consistency: NoSQL often uses "eventual consistency,"
which might impact reliability compared to traditional ACID guarantees.
Use Cases of NoSQL in Healthcare
1. Patient Records Management
o Document Stores: Store mixed data types like demographics (structured) and
clinical notes (unstructured).
2. Real-Time Monitoring
o Time-Series Data: Use databases to track real-time medical device or
wearable data, providing timely alerts.
3. Genomic Data
o Flexible Schema: Handle diverse and complex genomic datasets.
4. Clinical Decision Support
o Graph Databases: Map relationships between symptoms, treatments, and
diagnoses to aid decision-making.
5. Medical Imaging
o Scalable Storage: Efficiently manage large files like MRIs or CT scans.
