Executive summary of our recent healthcare roundtable, once again a big thank you to those who managed to attend:
The healthcare industries in the UK and US are undergoing a rapid digital transformations driven by the demand for improved patient care, enhanced operational efficiency, and cost savings. However, the industry is facing significant pain points in leveraging the benefits of technology in healthcare. Below are some of the key challenges discussed and the overall group consensus and how these could be addressed
The Shortage of Skilled Professionals
One of the primary challenges raised in healthcare IT is the shortage of skilled professionals. To address this challenge, healthcare organizations can:
- Provide training and development programs for existing staff to acquire new skills.
- Collaborate with academic institutions to develop new talent earlier.
- Promote healthcare IT as a viable career path to attract new talent.
Lack of Industry Experience
Healthcare IT requires specialized knowledge of both the healthcare industry and technology. To address this pain point, healthcare organizations can:
- Partner with a wider range of technology companies or more agile consulting firms with expertise in healthcare IT to develop and implement new technology solutions.
- Invest in training and development programs for IT professionals to develop a deep understanding of healthcare regulations, processes, and systems.
- Foster collaboration between IT and healthcare professionals to ensure technology solutions are aligned with patient needs.
Talent Drain and Competition from Other Industries
The healthcare industry is facing a talent drain and competition for technology talent from other industries. To address this challenge, healthcare organizations can:
- Develop unique opportunities for technology professionals in healthcare, such as the chance to work on cutting-edge healthcare technology and make a significant impact on patient outcomes.
- Offer competitive compensation packages and benefits to attract and retain top talent.
- Foster a culture of true innovation and collaboration to encourage technology professionals.
The Need for Strong Cybersecurity Measures
The healthcare industry is a prime target for cyberattacks, with recent examples in the UK, making strong cybersecurity measures essential for healthcare organizations. To address this pain point, healthcare organizations can:
- Implement cybersecurity protocols that comply with industry regulations and best practices.
- Partner with a wider range of cybersecurity firms to identify and address potential threats and vulnerabilities. One size does not fit all, focus on areas of specialization.
- Foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness and training among staff to reduce the risk of human error, these should regular campaigns across all user channels
Complex Regulatory Environment
Compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR is critical. Healthcare organizations can address this pain point by:
- Implementing healthcare IT solutions that comply with regulations and industry best practices.
- Investing in training and education for IT professionals on healthcare regulations and compliance.
- Partner with consultants or legal firms with expertise in healthcare regulations and tech to ensure compliance and avoid costly penalties.
- Inserting compliance earlier into the product lifecycle or technology change initiates
Geographic Challenges
Healthcare organizations can face geographic challenges in implementing healthcare IT, such as a lack of skilled IT professionals or resources in certain regions or countries. To address this pain point, healthcare organizations can:
- Partner with regional arms of technology firms or consulting firms with global expertise to access a wider talent pool.
- Leverage remote work opportunities to enable IT professionals to work from anywhere.
- Invest in earlier training and development programs for existing staff in under-resourced areas to develop a local talent pool.
In conclusion, the consensus among healthcare organizations, IT professionals, and IT consultancies was that the identified gaps need to be addressed through consistent overarching initiatives. While some initiatives have already been started, obtaining the right talent alone will not solve the problem. These challenges require long-term planning and commitment.
