Hospitals and health systems are dealing financial pressure by delaying capital projects and cutting capital and operating budgets, according to a survey conducted by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, The National Alliance for Health Information Technology, and AHA Solutions Inc.
The survey included 144 chief information officers and 27 chief financial officers and vice-presidents of finance at hospitals of all sizes across the United States. Results found that one in four have laid off workers and/or instituted a hiring freeze.
Overall hospital employment increased slightly in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Providers indicated that although they are mindful of spending, they are moving ahead with strategic clinical IT projects. Noting that these projects are key to achieving greater operating efficiencies and increased patient safety, healthcare administrators are investing in electronic health records (EHRs), computerized provider order entry (CPOE), and medication management — which all remain high-priority projects for about half or more of all respondents.
CHIME, NAHIT and AHA Solutions conducted the online survey from Nov. 12-21 of this year. The group received responses to 10 questions from 144 CIOs and 27 CFOs/vice presidents of finance.
The full report, with respondent quotes and survey questions, is available at http://www.nahit.org/pandc/publications.asp.
