As HIMSS swings into full gear, there is a buzz in the air. Consumerism, interoperability, security, FHIR, value-based care to name a few. But we wanted to hear from the source what really matters this year.
LexisNexis® Risk Solutions recently assembled a group of about 20 hospital CIOs to find out what topics they expect to demand their attention in 2019.
What we learned: it all comes down to the EHR and clinical workflow integration. Priorities were based on the resources needed for implementation efforts and where HIT leaders can focus their time, energy and dollars. Here’s what topped the list:
Cybersecurity
Goal – Protecting patient information while also ensuring its accessibility to providers
Biggest challenge – Security of multiple access points including medical devices
Best solution – Using multiple layers of security, including one-time passwords, biometric screenings and knowledge-based authentication
Interoperability
Goal – Organizations need to be able to exchange data within healthcare systems as well as externally with other providers and data partners.
Biggest challenge – Achieving connectivity results in being able to deliver the information into clinical workflows
Best solution – Work with a data partner that can help facilitate data exchanges and break down silos
Healthcare Consumerism
Goal – Engage patients in their healthcare
Biggest challenge – Providing opportunities for more interaction between patients and providers
Best solution – Offer provider organizations patient engagement tools and data insights that can help improve outcomes like social determinants of health.
The focus group revealed that today’s healthcare leaders face a difficult balancing act. They must protect health information in an increasingly mobile environment while ensuring providers have access to that information to make the best medical decisions for their patients.
At the same time, CIOs are seeking innovative ways to keep patients engaged to optimize health outcomes. While everyone agreed there are no easy answers, healthcare leaders are cautiously optimistic as they take action toward achieving their 2019 goals. Let’s see where we land. We have a long way to go.
Learn more: Download our CIO Survey Point of View paper.
