Technology is transforming healthcare in powerful and promising ways, from enhancing diagnostics and treatment plans to streamlining patient communication and reducing administrative burdens. But with that transformation comes a host of new challenges. Budget constraints, talent shortages, and the accelerating pace of innovation are putting immense pressure on healthcare IT leaders to do more with less while keeping systems secure and compliant.
Let’s explore today’s core healthcare IT challenges and why so many organizations are reevaluating their approach to in-house IT versus managed IT services for healthcare.
1. Budget Constraints
One of the most persistent issues facing healthcare IT teams is a lack of adequate funding. According to a HIMSS report, 43% of healthcare IT professionals say their organization doesn't have the budget needed to hire the right talent.
Too often, IT is viewed as a necessary overhead cost instead of a strategic investment. Unlike medical devices or clinical services, IT infrastructure doesn’t always garner the same attention but it’s what enables every critical system behind patient care, from electronic health records to cybersecurity monitoring.
Without proper investment in healthcare IT solutions, the consequences can be dire: system downtime, cybersecurity breaches, inefficient operations, and ultimately, compromised patient safety.
2. Staffing Shortages
While clinical staffing shortages make headlines, there’s a growing shortage of skilled IT professionals in healthcare that’s equally concerning. This shortfall is especially dangerous in such a heavily regulated and high-stakes industry.
The cybersecurity talent gap, for instance, is the second most significant factor driving up the cost of healthcare data breaches, right behind IT system complexity. Without dedicated experts on staff, healthcare organizations are more vulnerable to attacks, slower to respond to incidents, and more likely to fall behind on updates and compliance requirements.
3. Rapidly Evolving Technology
The pace of technological change is unrelenting. Innovations in generative AI, automation, and data analytics are reshaping the future of healthcare, but they also introduce new complexities. At the same time, privacy and security regulations are evolving rapidly, demanding more from already stretched healthcare IT teams.
Staying current requires constant upgrades, ongoing training, and careful planning. Many organizations simply don’t have the resources or bandwidth to keep up, leading to a growing risk of falling behind or exposing patient data to unnecessary risk.
The Evolution of Healthcare IT: What It Means for You
Today’s challenges require a modern, strategic approach to IT management. Here’s what forward-thinking healthcare organizations are considering as they adapt to the new normal:
1. Increased Complexity
IT environments are becoming more complex, not less. As new tools are added and cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the need for specialized expertise becomes critical.
2. Strategic Partnerships
Healthcare IT is no longer a patchwork of disconnected tools. It’s about building a connected ecosystem. Trusted vendors and IT partners who understand your operational goals, budget constraints, and compliance needs can help ensure secure, scalable growth.
3. Mergers & Acquisitions
M&A activity adds a new layer of IT complexity. Integrating disparate systems, consolidating data, and maintaining regulatory compliance across entities is no small task and often requires outside expertise.
4. Capacity & Capability
A single generalist is no longer enough. Today’s healthcare IT requires teams of specialists, whether in-house or outsourced, from cybersecurity and cloud to interoperability and compliance, working together to deliver uninterrupted care and secure operations.
What Can Healthcare Leaders Do?
Here are four practical ways to evaluate your IT readiness and keep your organization future-ready:
- Understand your challenges. What are your most pressing IT pain points?
- Recognize your strengths. What’s working well and where can you double down?
- Ask the right questions. How can IT better align with your organization’s strategic direction?
- Clarify your goals. Are IT priorities aligned with long-term business and clinical outcomes?
While IT may not be as visible as direct patient care, its role is no less critical. Behind every device, application, and clinical alert lies an IT system working behind the scenes to ensure care is delivered safely and efficiently. When those systems are outdated, underfunded, or mismanaged, the consequences are felt immediately, impacting workflows, staff, and ultimately, patient outcomes.
The Bottom Line: In-House IT vs. Managed IT Services for Healthcare
Choosing between in-house IT and outsourcing isn’t a simple decision. It depends on your internal capabilities, budget, and long-term goals. In-house teams offer control and familiarity, but often lack the capacity or specialization needed to handle modern challenges. Outsourcing, when done with the right partner, can bring scalability, expertise, and cost efficiencies, but may require a cultural shift or adjustment in how teams collaborate.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make a more strategic decision.
Check out our on-demand webinar: “The Pros and Cons of In-House vs. Outsourcing Healthcare IT.” Learn from industry experts as they unpack real-world examples, share decision-making frameworks, and offer practical guidance on how to choose the right model for your organization.
