Explore IT Management Services Relating to Healthcare Sector
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organisations are grappling with unprecedented challenges. With over 59 percent of healthcare CIOs reporting operating cost pressures and 41 percent reporting shortfalls in funding, according to a February report from Gartner, the need for cost-effective and efficient IT solutions has never been more crucial.
Enter managed services, a partnership designed to meet the unique needs of each organisation. These services can provide invaluable support to healthcare IT teams, offering a range of benefits that have proven critical during the pandemic.
Firstly, managed services provide scalability and flexibility, allowing healthcare organisations to quickly and efficiently scale their IT infrastructure in response to surges in demand for healthcare services. This flexibility has enabled providers to handle increased patient loads and data without significant hardware or personnel investments.
Secondly, managed services offer cost efficiency. By adopting these services, healthcare organisations can reduce costs associated with IT infrastructure and maintenance. This is especially beneficial as budgets are strained due to the pandemic. Cost savings are achieved by paying only for the resources used, rather than investing in hardware and additional personnel.
Thirdly, managed services enhance collaboration and communication. Tools like Microsoft Teams facilitate team collaboration and communication, helping healthcare teams work effectively in virtual environments. This has been crucial during the pandemic when social distancing measures are in place and traditional face-to-face interactions are limited.
Fourthly, managed services ensure secure and reliable access to patient data, which is critical for healthcare operations. Secure data storage and protection help mitigate the risk of data breaches, which are costly and sensitive in the healthcare sector.
Lastly, managed services improve patient care. By leveraging digital tools and cloud services, healthcare providers can offer better patient care through real-time access to medical records and communication platforms. This improved patient engagement and allows for more personalised care, enhancing overall patient satisfaction.
Leaders may consider bringing in a partner for IT services, with managed services potentially cutting IT costs by up to 40 percent, according to a CDW white paper. The best thing for effective cost optimization during the COVID-19 pandemic is collaborating with peers and partners, according to CDW Healthcare CTO Tom Stafford.
Outside guidance is also crucial as 4.2 million IT jobs, including roles in healthcare, went unfilled last year, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. Recipients of managed services can rely on specialized engineers, 24/7 support, and industry-specific expertise throughout the relationship.
In conclusion, managed services play a vital role in supporting healthcare IT teams during the pandemic by providing scalable, cost-effective, secure, and efficient solutions. They offer added capacity to pivot amid a public health crisis that has IT teams working at full speed to enable high-quality care. A strong ally offers the foresight and strength to be ready for whatever comes next during a time when so much in the world has changed.
Science, technology, and business convergence is evident in the adoption of managed services by healthcare organisations. These services, providing scalability, cost efficiency, enhanced collaboration, secure data access, and improved patient care, are essential for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, finance sectors can benefit from managed services, with potential cost savings of up to 40 percent, as reported in a CDW white paper.
