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Technology Infrastructure for the Healthcare Industry: The Importance of an IT Audit
by David Hettrich
Hospitals must constantly review their IT infrastructure to stay current with technology advances, just like any other business. Many hospitals do a good job of managing their technology systems, and an increasing number are retaining independent IT consulting firms to conduct enterprise-wide evaluations, or audits.
Hardware, including hardwired and wireless networks, computers, servers and routers, and software that stores and directs information, must work in concert for any hospital to perform its day-to-day tasks. In addition, systems for patient care, employee communication and security all must run as efficiently as possible.
Larger facilities are often faced with the daunting task of integrating different technology systems into one cohesive unit. The various systems support tasks as disparate as tracking patient medication to lighting controls. Often systems fall under the responsibility of multiple, independently motivated departments. An outside audit helps to identify solutions to the overriding goals of the institution. By involving patients as well as all departments in the audit process, strategic direction can be defined to assist in making the right technology decisions. Understanding the best fit for an organization requires a thorough understanding of the many technologies involved, including cost of purchase and operation, and security issues especially related to Internet and wireless technologies that are becoming more favored in healthcare environments.
While smaller facilities may not have the same concerns as larger ones, they are often faced with similar asset allocation issues. The capital may be present to acquire the latest technology, but staffing to support these technologies may be limited. External audits help hospital leadership employ the best technology available, while being mindful of the staff needed to maintain its operations.
Since a hospital’s IT infrastructure must be running at all times, it’s commonplace for piecemeal replacement of components to occur. Over time this can create significant growth and flexibility issues. Independent IT consulting firms can provide an objective assessment of existing systems, assessing the appropriateness of its size, flexibility to the facility, and its ability to deal with the ever changing needs of the healthcare environment. Different technologies have different life cycles. It’s important to take into consideration how the hospital’s needs will change as technology evolves.
Consultants bring a fresh perspective to a hospital’s technology issues. Like a person who has been staring at a jigsaw puzzle for hours, searching for the right place to insert a piece, hospital IT staff look at the same puzzle every day, searching for the right solution. And just as a disinterested passerby can glance at the puzzle and, in no time at all, find the proper placement for the puzzle piece, outside consultants with experiential understanding of what works and what doesn’t, can often see the solution to a thorny issue very quickly by virtue of a fresh, unencumbered perspective.
