As I mentioned in my last post, choosing an IT solutions provider is a critical decision for all healthcare leaders in their quest to stay competitive and offer cutting-edge technology.
Here are 5 factors to consider when choosing the right healthcare IT partner:
Cloud-Based Aptitude
The future of the healthcare industry is moving toward cloud-based technologies, increasing the importance of IT providers who offer private cloud solutions for managing protected health information (PHI). PHI requires more comprehensive security controls, in comparison to public cloud solutions.
Multi-Channel Capabilities
As the healthcare industry continues to integrate social media and responsive communications into its marketing campaigns, it’s important to evaluate partners who have experience integrating multi-channel communications into an overall engagement strategy.
Seamless Integration
Often overlooked, but equally important to consider, is a partner’s ability to integrate new IT solutions into existing programs or client technology investments.
Who hasn’t had the frustrating experience of providing their personal information multiple times when transferred between healthcare service departments?
Integration makes the difference between a mediocre and great customer experience. It ultimately builds trust and increases the level of engagement, optimizing the impact of your healthcare program.
Regulatory & Compliance Expertise
With a dynamic and changing regulatory environment, it’s imperative to have a team of experts in the field of regulation and compliance to stay on the forefront of changes as they occur and to keep the organization in a proactive working posture.
Forward Thinking
Cutting-edge technologies are paramount to staying competitive in any industry, but especially in the healthcare industry. Finding a forward thinking partner who anticipates trends and related implications will help bring the organization to the forefront of innovation.
What else is important when choosing an IT partner in the healthcare industry? Let me know in the comments.