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It’s no secret that healthcare organizations were among those hit hardest during the early stages of the pandemic. From large hospital networks to senior care facilities, healthcare organizations were forced to adapt quickly while operating with limited resources and surging numbers of patients to care for. 

Due to a reduction in the number of patients opting for elective surgeries during the pandemic, clinics saw a significant decrease in revenue from what is typically the most lucrative side of their business—adding to the burden of financial strain for many under-resourced organizations. While many businesses impacted by the pandemic were able to shift to fully remote operations, this was not feasible for the majority of healthcare providers, forcing them to pivot to a hybrid operation to ensure both staff and patient safety. 

The importance of modernizing operations

One operational aspect of healthcare organizations that has remained constant is the focus on reducing costs and growing revenue. That’s why healthcare IT leaders are laser focused on making investments in modernized network solutions that streamline operational processes while keeping costs low. 

Given the tumultuous environment and day-to-day uncertainty that healthcare organizations are forced to operate in, the need for flexible and scalable IT solutions has never been more important. If and when situations change, organizations need to adapt quickly while continuing to provide the highest levels of security and reliability. 

Staying ahead of asset management 

While facilities departments within healthcare organizations are often overlooked, they play a critical role in asset management and regulating operational costs. From physical infrastructures such as refrigeration and ventilation to monitoring oxygen tanks and gurneys, the costs associated with the use of these assets can have a major impact on an organization’s bottom line. Tracking mission-critical equipment, ensuring safety through asset audits, and preventative maintenance of equipment enables healthcare staff to provide better patient care and reduces deferred maintenance costs in the long term. 

Running a (data) secure operation 

Security and patient data privacy have always been a top concern for healthcare providers, and have been further prioritized since 2020 due to the significant number of breaches reported to the Department of Health and Human Services. Healthcare organizations need secure solutions that do not store end user data and can be deployed to create HIPAA-compliant IT infrastructures while protecting against security threats. The challenge of implementing sophisticated IT solutions comes down to budget constraints and the need for organizations to do more with less, but in reality, these types of investments save money in the long run—from HIPPA fines to lost revenue from exposed patient data. 

As healthcare needs continue to evolve, organizations that are able to adapt quickly will be best positioned to succeed in the long term. To learn more about how to optimize healthcare IT operations, read our e-book, “Advancing Healthcare IT.”