In today’s digital age, electronic health records (EHRs) have become an integral part of healthcare organizations, revolutionizing patient data management and improving healthcare delivery. However, hospitals worldwide are encountering substantial difficulties in filling open positions essential for the successful implementation and maintenance of EHR systems. One study projects that if US workforce trends continue, more than 6.5 million healthcare professionals will permanently leave their positions by 2026, while only 1.9 million will step in to replace them, leaving a national industry shortage of more than 4 million workers. In this blog, we will delve into the reasons behind these hiring struggles and provide recent research and data to support these claims. Moreover, we will introduce Engage Partners as a trusted resource for hospitals seeking to find the most suitable IT tech candidates, effectively overcoming these hiring obstacles.
The Data on IT Tech
Increasing Need for IT Tech Positions:
As healthcare technology advances quickly, there is a rising demand for qualified IT workers. EHR system deployment and upkeep necessitate knowledge in fields including database administration, cybersecurity, and software development. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently conducted research that indicates that between 2020 and 2030, the employment of computer and information technology occupations in the healthcare sector is expected to increase by 12%.
Lack of Qualified IT Tech Candidates:
Despite rising demand, hospitals frequently struggle to fill IT tech positions for EHRs with qualified individuals. These jobs call for a very specific set of abilities that are in limited supply. Seventy percent of healthcare businesses have trouble finding skilled health IT workers, according to a research by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).
Competitive Market for IT Professionals:
The healthcare industry competes with other sectors such as finance, technology, and e-commerce for skilled IT professionals. These industries often offer higher salaries and more attractive benefits packages, making it difficult for hospitals to attract top talent. According to a survey conducted by the Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS), 76% of healthcare organizations reported difficulty in competing with non-healthcare employers for IT staff.
Changing Technical Landscape:
To address the changing needs of healthcare organizations and to adhere to regulatory standards, EHR systems are always changing. IT specialists who can adapt to these developing technologies and efficiently manage system updates and improvements are needed by hospitals. In order to keep IT employees current with the most recent developments, a study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association underlined the necessity for continual training and professional development opportunities.
Conclusion:
Hospitals face significant challenges in hiring IT tech positions for EHRs due to the growing demand for specialized skills, a shortage of qualified candidates, a competitive job market, and the evolving technological landscape. Engage Partners offers a solution to this hiring struggle. With their expertise in healthcare IT recruitment, they can help hospitals find the right candidates who possess the necessary skills and experience to handle EHR systems effectively. By partnering with Engage Partners, hospitals can ensure they hire the right IT tech professionals and overcome the obstacles in their path, ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their EHR implementations.
[Sources]
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
- HIMSS Healthcare IT Staffing Survey: https://www.himss.org/resources/healthcare-it-staffing-survey-2017
- Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association: https://academic.oup.com/jamia/article/25/12/1620/5097260
