Healthcare Industry Urged to Adopt Exponential IT for Improved Patient Outcomes and Efficiency, Says Info-Tech Research Group

Amid ongoing challenges within the industry, a new comprehensive blueprint from Info-Tech Research Group highlights four key priorities for healthcare IT leaders to adopt an Exponential IT mindset to enhance patient outcomes, manage costs, and navigate industry disruptions.

TORONTO, July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - The healthcare industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to rapid technological advancements, increasing cybersecurity risks, and persistent staffing shortages. In this evolving landscape, global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group says that adopting an Exponential IT mindset has become crucial for healthcare organizations to remain competitive and effective. Info-Tech Research Group has released a new blueprint, Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Healthcare Industry, which provides vital insights and actionable strategies for IT leaders to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and improve patient care.

The firm's blueprint highlights the pressing opportunity for healthcare organizations to transition from traditional linear IT approaches to Exponential IT. The shift can help the sector leverage emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to drive significant improvements in healthcare delivery and operational processes.

"The healthcare industry has witnessed significant technological changes, from digitizing operations to reimagining service models and adopting exponential technologies. However, compared to other industries, healthcare's digital transformation lags," says Sharon Auma-Ebanyat, research director at Info-Tech Research Group. "The healthcare industry continues to face challenges such as low financial margins, staffing shortages, and increasing cybersecurity risks, which impact IT innovation. The chasm between the healthcare industry's desire to harness technology and its ability to deliver is continuing to widen."

Info-Tech's recommended strategy, outlined in the new blueprint, not only includes integrating cutting-edge technologies to streamline operations but also ensures the provision of superior patient care and innovative health services. According to the firm, by adopting an Exponential IT mindset, healthcare organizations can effectively handle technological disruptions, enhance operational efficiency, and meet the evolving demands of patients.

The research identifies critical challenges that the healthcare sector must address to advance technologically. For instance, low financial margins can limit the ability to invest in new technologies, and the persistent issue of staffing shortages impacts the delivery of care and the capacity for innovation.

Moreover, the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity threats requires significant investment in data protection to secure patient information. Info-Tech advises that IT initiatives be strategically aligned with organizational objectives and that a culture promoting adaptability and innovation be cultivated. By doing so, healthcare organizations can effectively tackle these challenges, leading to substantial improvements in both care delivery and operational processes.

Info-Tech details the four key priorities that IT leaders in healthcare must take into account when adopting an Exponential IT mindset. These recommended priorities are:

1. Evolve Business Relationship Management Practices: Enhance collaboration between IT and business teams by establishing shared responsibility for business outcomes. This priority focuses on breaking down silos and ensuring that IT is seen as a strategic partner rather than just a service provider, thereby fostering a more integrated approach to achieving organizational goals.
2. Mitigate Rampant Privacy Risks: Prioritize investments in cybersecurity to protect patient data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. As healthcare organizations handle sensitive patient information, robust data protection measures are essential to prevent breaches and maintain trust while also meeting the stringent standards set by regulations such as HIPAA.
3. Align IT and Organizational Outcomes; Build Outcome Measurement: Develop and implement measurement frameworks that align IT initiatives with organizational goals. This process involves creating metrics that reflect the success of IT projects in driving value for the organization, ensuring that IT efforts are directly contributing to improved patient care and operational efficiency.
4. Build Outcome Measurement and Prioritize Opportunities Aligned with Organizational Value: Strategically align IT initiatives with broader organizational goals, focusing on high-value opportunities. This priority emphasizes the need for a structured approach to identifying and prioritizing IT projects that offer the greatest potential for impact, ensuring that resources are directed toward initiatives that drive substantial improvements in healthcare delivery.

To support the rapid adoption of new technologies, the identified priorities emphasize the importance of foundational capabilities, such as developing an adaptive delivery model, optimizing operations through automation, and fostering workforce flexibility. The firm's blueprint provides healthcare IT leaders with a structured approach to navigating the complexities of digital transformation and leveraging exponential technologies to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Info-Tech advises that by strategically aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals and fostering a culture of innovation, healthcare organizations can overcome the barriers to digital transformation. Info-Tech's comprehensive research offers practical guidance on how to build a robust IT infrastructure, manage risks effectively, and create a data-driven environment that supports continuous improvement and innovation.

For exclusive and timely commentary on this topic from Info-Tech's analysts, including Sharon Auma-Ebanyat, a healthcare industry expert, and access to the complete Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Healthcare Industry blueprint, please contact [email protected].

Info-Tech LIVE 2024

Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group's annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This premier IT industry event will also offer journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest technology research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or to gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact [email protected].

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected]. 

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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