Final Report: Vendors

4. IT Priorities

Security upgrades, integration of systems, and medical error reduction identified as client's top IT priorities.

Survey respondents were asked to identify what they felt were the top IT priorities for their clients, both today and in two years. The top three areas most frequently cited-both as current priorities and during the next two years-were security upgrades on IT systems to meet HIPAA requirements (56% currently; 59% over next two years), integration of systems in a multi-vendor environment (52% currently; 46% over next two years), and implementation of technology to reduce medical errors and promote patient safety (46% currently; 47% over next two years).

HIPAA compliance (72%) was identified by respondents as the business issue they believe will most impact healthcare in the next two years. Cost pressures were ranked second at 55% and improving operational efficiency is third at 44%.

Figures:

Figure 7. Top IT Priorities (Today vs. Next Two Years)
Figure 8. Top Business Issues Facing Healthcare in Next Two Years

Next: IT Barriers