Security, Integration Of IT Systems Top Priorities For Healthcare IT Vendors And Consultants, According To HIMSS Leadership Survey Data

4/16/2002

From: Tarsis Lopez of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, 312-915-9237 or tlopez@himss.org Sue Synor of Superior Consultant Company 248-386-8300 or sue(underscore)[email protected]

CHICAGO, April 16 -- Security upgrades of IT systems and the integration of these systems in healthcare provider organizations are top priorities for healthcare IT vendors, suppliers, and consulting organizations.

That's the finding of new data released today from the 13th Annual HIMSS Leadership Survey. The Chicago-based Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) conducted the survey, sponsored by Superior Consultant Company (NASDAQ: SUPC).

The data reflect the second of two reports on findings from the 13th Annual HIMSS Leadership Survey. The first report, released in January, presented the opinions of healthcare providers. In that study, top IT priorities included upgrading security on IT systems to meet Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements and promoting patient safety/reducing medical errors.

Respondents identified their top IT priority now and in the next two years as implementing security upgrades on IT systems in provider organizations to meet HIPAA requirements (56 percent currently; 59 percent over the next two years). The integration of multiple-vendor IT systems in provider organizations was the second most important current IT priority (52 percent), followed by the implementation of technology to reduce medical errors and promote patient safety (46 percent).

"It should be no surprise that the industry is focusing its efforts on IT solutions that will help healthcare organizations meet the HIPAA regulations," said Ivo Nelson, vice-chair, HIMSS Board of Directors. "These organizations are under a tight deadline to meet the federal rules, and healthcare IT vendors, suppliers, and consultants have risen to the challenge."

Reflecting their current IT priorities, nearly half (48 percent) of respondents identified data security as the technology they considered most important to healthcare clients today. Firewalls were recognized as the most important security tool for clients (46 percent), while 32 percent predicted data encryption as among the most important security tools in healthcare two years from now, along with biometric technologies (29 percent).

While 45 percent of respondents indicated they currently offer Application Service Provider (ASP) applications, 39 percent did not. The top three ASP applications are the electronic patient record (37 percent), practice management (29 percent), and departmental systems (22 percent).

"All segments of the industry are working to meet providers' needs to update their technology investments, reduce medical errors, improve financial performance, and build for the future," said Charles O. Bracken, executive vice president, Superior Consultant Company. "That future includes meeting consumer demands for affordable access to quality care, and secure and private interactions with providers and payers."

In the area of IT outsourcing, over half of the respondents (55 percent) predicted their outsourcing revenues would increase in the next twelve months. When asked which service areas they expected the revenue increase to affect, 38 percent stated systems integration, followed by systems installation (32 percent) and technical support (32 percent).

Respondents to the survey also reported:

-- Lack of adequate financial support for IT at a client's facility, a client's lack of a strategic IT plan or failure to execute an implementation plan already in place, and difficulty in proving quantifiable benefits or ROI on IT investments are the most significant barriers to successful IT implementation in client organizations.

-- Programming is the primary area where healthcare IT vendors have information technology job openings. System design and networking were also identified as areas with this staffing need.

-- Data were collected via a self-administered Web-based questionnaire. The results are based on 96 responses representing 96 healthcare supplier organizations. To ensure representative, expert coverage of the field, data were solicited from one senior-level executive per vendor, supplier, and consultant healthcare IT organization.

------ About Superior Consultant Company Superior Consultant specializes in Digital Business Transformation(tm) services that enable clients to thrive in the information-driven economy. Superior's outsourcing, management and information technology consulting services and solutions help clients plan and execute better business strategies and meet their fiscal challenges without compromising clinical quality. For 18 years, Superior has been recognized as one of the most innovative within the healthcare industry and has been rewarded with thousands of engagements, management responsibility for over 125 IT departments, and more than 2,500 clients. For more information on Superior Consultant Holdings Corporation, simply dial 1-800-PRO-INFO and enter the Company ticker: SUPC (a no-cost fax-on-demand service) or visit the Company's Web site at http://www.superiorconsultant.com.

About the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) provides leadership in healthcare for the management of technology, information, and change through member services, education and networking opportunities, and publications. Members are kept abreast of the latest industry information and research, as well as legislative and policy issues. Based in Chicago with an office in Ann Arbor, Mich, HIMSS has 37 chapters and more than 12,000 individual members working in healthcare organizations throughout the world. Individual members include healthcare professionals in hospitals, corporate healthcare systems, clinical practice groups, HIT supplier organizations, healthcare consulting firms, and government settings in professional levels ranging from senior staff to CIOs and CEOs. HIMSS also serves corporate members, which include suppliers and consultants in the health information and management systems industry. HIMSS' Web site is www.himss.org.

How to Cite This Study Complete, detailed results of the 13th Annual HIMSS Leadership Survey sponsored by Superior Consultant is available on the HIMSS Web site. A fact sheet detailing major findings and methodology information is also available by contacting Tarsis Lopez at (312) 915-9237; tlopez@himss.org. Individuals are encouraged to cite this report and any accompanying graphics in either printed matter, publications, or any other occasion, as long as the information is attributed to the 13th Annual HIMSS Leadership Survey sponsored by Superior Consultant Company.